Horizons in catalyst-transfer polymerization research

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of catalyst-transfer polymerization (CTP) methods, encompassing established approaches such as Kumada, Suzuki-Miyaura, Stille, Negishi, Murahashi and Sonogashira, alongside emerging metal-free techniques. It explores the unique features, strengths, and limitations of each method, focusing on both their mechanistic and structural aspects. A critical evaluation of catalyst performance across these methods highlights their comparative effectiveness and the impact of various catalysts on polymer properties, emphasizing the importance of catalyst and ligand selection in achieving precise polymer architectures. This review also discusses recent advancements in catalyst engineering, including novel ligands and multi-metal systems, offering valuable insights into optimizing CTP processes. By addressing challenges and opportunities in the field, this review aims to guide researchers in advancing CTP methodologies, fostering innovation in organic electronics and high-performance polymer applications. • Reveals advancements in catalyst-transfer polymerization methods for precision materials. • Explores ligand engineering's role in controlled polymer architectures. • Discusses new catalysts for broadening the scope of conjugated polymer synthesis. • Reviews mechanistic insights into Kumada and Suzuki-Miyaura polymerization techniques. • Offers guidance for future research in organic electronics and high-performance polymers.