Preparation of functionalized alkoxyamine initiator and its use

A one-pot process for the preparation of functional alkoxyamines of the general formula (I), is disclosed. The process entails (1) reacting an oxidizing agent with a sterically hindered secondary amine to produce an aqueous phase and a nitroxyl radical (2) removing the aqueous phase and adding to the nitroxyl radical one or more vinyl monomer(s) conforming to a formula and a system which produces free radicals. Also disclosed is a process of polymerizing monomers using the functional alkoxyamine.