RING-OPENING METATHESIS POLYMERIZATION OF FUNCTIONALIZED CYCLOOCTENESBY A RUTHENIUM-BASED METATHESIS CATALYST

The ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a variety of 5-su bstituted cyclooctenes by the well-defined metathesis catalyst (PCy(3) )(2)Cl(2)RuCHCHCPh(2) (1) was accomplished. Direct polymerization of f unctionalized monomers allowed the incorporation of alcohol, ketone, e ster, and bromine functionality along the polymer backbone. The polyme rs were obtained in moderate to good yields. The attempted polymerizat ion of epoxy- and cyano-substituted cyclooctenes by 1 failed. Structur es of the polymers were confirmed by IR, H-1 NMR, and C-13 NMR spectro scopies. The molecular weight of acetate-containing polymer was contro lled by varying the monomer to catalyst ratio and by the addition of a chain transfer agent to the polymerization solution. Hydrogenation of the acetate derivative gave the corresponding ethylene/vinyl copolyme r. The thermal properties of the polymers are reported.