Riboflavin-mediated radical polymerization – Outlook for eco-friendly synthesis of functional materials

Abstract

Abstract Radical polymerization techniques driven by naturally occurring substances are rapidly developed towards more sustainable, thus eco-friendly and industrially relevant approaches. Riboflavin as a multifunctional molecule due to its unique architecture and biological activity is an excellent target in the context of radical polymerization, considering both the versatile properties of isoalloxazine ring – a characteristic feature of the flavin family, and the ribitol tail – susceptible for facile modification to incorporate additional functional groups. Three-ring part of riboflavin is essential for redox processes, UV absorption, and photosensitivity – the beneficial features to maintain control during radical polymerization, while a ribitol side chain with hydroxyl groups is easily modified to include several functions in one molecule. This review highlights the recent advances in the development of free radical polymerization and controlled polymerization techniques mediated by riboflavin structure, to create environmentally friendly and easily scalable approaches for the preparation of functional polymer materials with versatile use.