Stereospecific Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of Norbornene and Tetracyclododecene by Mo and W Initiators

Abstract

We report the synthesis of >98% cis,isotactic and cis,syndiotactic polynorbornene (poly(NBE)) and poly(endo,anti-tetracyclododecene) (poly(TCD)). Cis,isotactic poly(NBE) and poly(TCD) were prepared employing Mo-based biphenolate imido alkylidene initiators, Mo(NR)(CHCMe2Ph)(Biphen) (Biphen = e.g., 3,3′-(t-Bu)2-5,5′-6,6′-(CH3)4-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diolate), while cis,syndiotactic poly(NBE) and poly(TCD) were prepared employing W-based imido or oxo monoaryloxide pyrrolide (MAP) initiators, W(X)(CHR′)(Pyrrolide)(OTer) (X = NR or O; OTer = a 2,6-terphenoxide). Addition of 1-hexene or coordinating solvents such as THF do not decrease the stereospecificity of the polymerization. Cis,iso and cis,syndio dyads can be distinguished through examination of 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the two polymers in a mixture. The polymers were hydrogenated to give isotactic and syndiotactic H-poly(NBE) and H-poly(TCD).