the application of light irradiation on living radical polymerization reactions (LRP) has been summarized in terms of the initiation and catalysis of polymerization. The effects of light irradiation on nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP)
atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)
reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and cobalt-mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) are analyzed from the aspect of mechanism. In comparision with conventional radical polymerization
light mediated living radical polymerization could generate free radicals under mild conditions
lower the activation energy of catalysis reaction and improve the polymer-end functionality. We hope the review will not only promote the applications of light-mediated radical polymerization but also stimulate a new idea to further advance light-mediated reactions.