chain transfer

chemistry

Also known as: backbiting

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Chain transfer is a process in chain-growth polymerization where a growing polymer chain terminates, but the reactive radical is transferred to another molecule, often a monomer or solvent. This new radical can then initiate the growth of a new polymer chain.1

This process can occur in several ways:
* Backbiting: The radical end of a growing chain curls back and abstracts a hydrogen atom from within the same chain, creating a branch.1
* Intermolecular transfer: The radical end of a growing chain transfers an atom to a different molecule, such as a solvent or another monomer.1

Chain transfer reactions can lead to branched polymer structures, like those found in low-density polyethylene (LDPE). They can also influence the molecular weight and structure of the final polymer product.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

chemistry of industrial polymers
Free-radical initiation
…as backbiting or, more technically, chain transfer. The result is a polymer chain with the branched structure of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), also shown in Figure 1B. Chain-transfer reactions may also occur intermolecularly.
Read More
…as backbiting or, more technically, chain transfer. The result is a polymer chain with the branched structure of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), also shown in Figure 1B. Chain-transfer reactions may also occur intermolecularly.
Read More