Light-Induced Modular Ligation of Conventional RAFT Polymers

Making light work of RAFT conjugation: A non‐activated RAFT agent at the end of RAFT polymers can readily be coupled with ortho‐quinodimethanes (photoenols) in a photo‐triggered Diels–Alder reaction under mild conditions without catalyst (see scheme). The method is universal and opens the door for the conjugation of a large number of RAFT‐prepared polymers with photoenol‐functionalized (macro)molecules. (RAFT=reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer.)