Key role of metal-coordination in cobalt-mediated radical polymerization of vinyl acetate

Cobalt mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of vinyl acetate (VAc) follows a reversible termination mechanism when initiated from a preformed alkyl-cobalt(III) complex. In these particular conditions, CMRP functions as a stable free radical process and fine tuning of the Co-C bond strength becomes crucial. Increase of temperature and addition of molecules, such as water, dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide, able to coordinate the cobalt complex appeared as efficient strategies to weaken the Co-C bond and thus to speed up the polymerization while maintaining a very good control of the VAc polymerization. The key role of metal-coordination was investigated by kinetic measurements combined with DFT calculations.