Blue‐light‐induced atom transfer radical polymerization enabled by iron/copper dual catalysis

Abstract Photoinduced initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (PICAR ATRP) using sodium pyruvate and blue light ( λ max = 456 nm) is reported. Water‐soluble oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA 500 ) was polymerized under biologically relevant conditions. Polymerizations were conducted with 1000 ppm (with respect to the monomer) concentrations of CuBr 2 , tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine, or less FeCl 3 as a cocatalyst in water. Well‐defined polymers up 90% monomer conversion, high molecular weights M n > 190,000), low dispersity (1.14 < Ð 1.19) synthesized than 60 min. The rate tuned by varying concentration (SP), iron, supporting halide, well intensity. Cu/Fe dual catalysis provided oxygen tolerance enabling rapid, well‐controlled, aqueous PICAR ATRP OEOMA without deoxygenation.