Photochemical method to eliminate oxygen inhibition of free radical polymerizations

Compositions and methods for addressing oxygen inhibition in free radical polymerization systems and determination of oxygen content in a monomer or oligomer. The compositions used include a singlet oxygen generator and a singlet oxygen trapper. Addition of the generator and trapper resulting in removal of oxygen can occur before polymerization or essentially simultaneously with polymerization. Determination of oxygen content comprises monitoring the concentration changes from the reaction of the singlet oxygen trapper with the oxygen in the system.