Synthesis and characterization of a novel latent ring-opening metathesis polymerization catalyst

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of a novel latent ruthenium catalyst bearing a chelate ligand containing an oxadiazole fragment for the olefin metathesis are described. The main advantages of the utilization of this ligand are the straightforwardness of preparation, mild reaction conditions, and availability of the feedstock. Preliminary study of the catalytic activity of the Ru complex for metathesis reactions demonstrated its inactive nature for the ring-closing metathesis (RCM), but an excellent thermo-switchability for the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene.