RING-OPENING METATHESIS POLYMERIZATION AND CYCLIC ORGANOBORANE MONOMER

This paper summarizes our research result in the preparation of functional groups containing polyolefins, including linear and cyclic polymers, by using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and cyclic organoborane monomers. Most organoborane moieties are very stable to metathesis catalysts. In turn, the borane containing polymers can be converted to a broad range of functional polymers with various functional groups, such as -OH, -NH2, -NHR, under mild conditions. With some pre-designed monomers, several unique polymer structures, such as alternating copolymers have been prepared. In addition, the conformation of the polymer chain, from high cis double bonds to high trans ones, can be controlled by using various catalyst systems and reactions conditions. In this paper, we will also discuss some physical properties of the resulting polymers including thermal stability and chain conformations in selective solvents and at air-water interfaces.