Chain-transfer agent

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001859",
  "term": "Chain-transfer agent",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A compound added to a polymerization reaction that can react with a growing polymer chain, terminating its growth but simultaneously initiating a new chain. This process reduces the average molecular weight of the polymer without significantly affecting the overall polymerization rate. Common chain-transfer agents include thiols and carbon tetrachloride.",
  "synonyms": [
    "transfer agent"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1119 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/chain-transfer-agent/"
}