Zinc-based metal complexes as new photocatalysts in polymerization initiating systems

► Zinc-based metal complexes are proposed as original photoinitiators. ► Multi-component systems for the formation of free radicals under visible light irradiation. ► Systems for FRP of acrylates and cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers. ► Polymerization of acrylate/vinyl ether blends under very soft irradiations. ► The mechanisms are investigated by photolysis, luminescence and ESR experiments.