An immobilized/soluble hybrid catalyst system (CuBr/PS8-dMbpy)/(CuBr2/Me6TREN) for
atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was applied to the preparation of polymers exhibiting various
architectures. Polymers with high degree of halogen chain end functionality (∼85%) were obtained using
the hybrid catalyst system ensuring high efficiency of chain extension reactions through successive
monomer addition, affording block (tapered) copolymers. Use of the immobilized catalyst also allowed
the synthesis of block copolymers using macroinitiators synthesized by other mechanisms, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane). In the copolymerization of MMA and n-butyl acrylate, the molecular weight, molecular
weight distribution, kinetics, and reactivity ratios were similar to those in a conventional homogeneous
ATRP, indicating the chemical nature of the polymerization intermediates are similar for both systems.
These examples demonstrate the broad applicability of the hybrid catalyst system to various ATRP
processes.