Design of olefin metathesis catalysts for the stereoselective ROMP of cyclic olefins

Abstract

The ROMP of cyclic olefins using well defined metathesis catalysts provides a route for the living synthesis of an array of functional polymers. For example, block polymers for the synthesis of nanoparticles and in applications for new bioactive materials have resulted from the control and functional group tolerance of these initiators. With the proper control of the initiating species, the polydispersity and mol. wt. of the polymers can be carefully controlled. The control of the tacticity and double bond geometry have been more difficult. Recent advances in the synthesis of molybdenum, tungsten and ruthenium based Z selective catalysts has opened the possibility of excellent control of these features as well. The factors that control tacticity and double bond geometry is an old topic in ROMP. The new systems will allow the factors that control these features to be examd.