Chain activation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001830",
  "term": "Chain activation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The conversion of a dormant polymer chain into an active one capable of propagation. This process is a characteristic step in reversible-deactivation polymerizations, where chains alternate between active and dormant states. For example, in stable-radical-mediated polymerization, chain activation involves the homolytic cleavage of a bond to a persistent radical, regenerating the propagating radical.",
  "synonyms": [
    "activation (in SRMP)",
    "unimolecular activation",
    "unimolecular chain activation",
    "activation (in ATRP)",
    "bimolecular activation",
    "bimolecular chain activation"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "chain deactivation",
    "stable-radical-mediated polymerization",
    "aminoxyl-mediated radical polymerization",
    "dormant species",
    "mediating agent",
    "organometallic-mediated radical polymerization",
    "propagating species",
    "reversible-addition-fragmentation radical polymerization",
    "stable radical",
    "deactivator"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1117 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/chain-activation/"
}