Characterization of the micellar ring opening metathesis polymerization in water of a norbornene derivative initiated by Hoveyda‐Grubbs' catalyst

Solubilization of the hydrophobic Hoveyda‐Grubbs' catalyst in micellar aqueous phase has been achieved using dodecyl and cetyl ammonium chloride as surfactants. The domain of solubilization has been estimated before carrying out ring‐opening metathesis polymerization in these micellar solutions with a hydrophilic monomer. Kinetics orders have been determined relative to monomer, initiator, and surfactant. A good control of the molecular weight has been obtained for ratios micelles]/initiator] over 1. The better control of the polymerization obtained in micellar solution has been explained by a difference of reactivity leading to a more efficient initiation step in the presence of the micelles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2833–2844, 2008