A living polymerization process for preparation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
with
controlled molecular weight and molecular weight distribution is described. The
polymerization reaction can be initiated by various polyhalocarbon initiators in
conjunction with non-metallic reducing single electron transfer reagents as catalysts
and accelerated by electron shuttles. The process occurs at room temperature in
water or water-organic solvent medium. The polymerization provides PVC with a controlled
molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The halogen containing
polymer compositions are useful as, among others, viscosity modifiers, impact modifiers
and compatibilizers.
