A s,s-bis-(, -disubstituted-"-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate
and derivatives thereof can be used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, or terminator
for polymerization of monomers such as free radical polymerizable monomers. Homopolymers,
copolymers, and the like as well as block copolymers can be made utilizing the
trithio carbonate compound such as in a living free radical polymerization as well
as to form telechelic polymers.