Block copolymer synthesis

The efficient synthesis of structurally well-defined block copolymers is exciting and important area of research. This article describes several methods for the preparation of di- and triblock copolymers. Examples are taken from the literature and include anionic, cationic, free-radical and metal-catalyzed polymerizations that are useful for the preparation of these hybrid materials. In addition, examples that combine these polymerization mechanisms are described.