Prof. Dr. Axel Müller

We present a review on the present status of anionic polymerization of important non-polar and polar vinyl monomers. After presenting the historical background – the "pre-Szwarc" era – we discuss the mechanisms of this polymerization, in particular several types of carbanions, their ion-pairs and their aggregates occurring in the initiation and propagation of non-polar and polar monomers, including recent developments. Finally, we discuss some important scientific and industrial applications of anionic polymerization.