Functional trithiocarbonate RAFT agents

1 2 3 4 123 The present invention is directed to a free radical control agent of the structural formula: wherein Ris a divalent alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, Rand Rare each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and Ris -OH or -COOH, with the proviso that the total carbon atoms of R, R, and Ris no greater than 12; and wherein Y represents a functional group that is capable of activating a vinylic carbon toward free radical addition.