Living Metathesis Polymerization of Diethyl Di-2-butynyl Malonate by Molybdenum-Based Ternary Catalysts

Abstract

The living polymerization of diethyl di-2- butynyl malonate (DEDBM) was achieved with a MoOCl 4 -based ternary catalyst, MoOCl 4 -Bu 4 Sn-EtOH, to give a polymer with five- and six-membered rings in the main chain. In contrast, the polymerization of diethyl dipropargyl malonate (DEDPM) with the same catalyst led to gelation. Block copolymers were obtained from DEDBM and other substituted acetylenes such as 1-chloro-1-octyne. Poly(DEDBM) forms a condensed monomolecular membrane at the air-water interface.