Ring-opening metathesis polymerization for the preparation of norbornene-based weak cation-exchange monolithic capillary columns

Functionalized monolithic columns were prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) within silanized fused silica capillaries with an internal diameter of 200 μm by in situ grafting. This procedure is conducted in two steps, the first of which is the formation of the basic monolithic structure by polymerization of norborn-2-ene (NBE) and 1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-1,4,5,8-exo,endo-dimethanonaphthalene (DMN-H6) in a porogenic system (toluene and 2-propanol) using RuCl₂(PCy₃)₂(CHPh) as ROMP initiator. In the second step the still active initiator sites located on the surface of the structure-forming microglobules were used as receptor groups for the attachment (“grafting”) of functional groups onto the monolithic backbone by flushing the monolith with 7-oxanorborn-2-ene-5,6-carboxylic anhydride (ONDCA). Functionalization conditions were first defined that did not damage the backbone of low polymer content (20%) monoliths allowing high-throughput chromatographic separations. Variation of the functionalization conditions was then shown to provide a means of controlling the degree of functionalization and resulting ion-exchange capacity. The maximum level of in situ ONDCA grafting was obtained by a 3 h polymerization in toluene at 40 °C. The weak cation-exchange monoliths obtained provided good separation of a standard peptide mixture comprising four synthetic peptides designed specifically for the evaluation of cation-exchange columns. An equivalent separation was also achieved using the lowest capacity column studied, indicative of a high degree of robustness of the functionalization procedure. As well as demonstrably bearing ionic functional groups enabling analyte separation in the cation-exchange mode, the columns exhibited additional hydrophobic characteristics which influenced the separation process. The functionalized monoliths thus represent useful tools for mixed-mode separations.     

Fullerene containing norbornenes: synthesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization

New norbornenes with the covalently bonded fullerene C₆₀ have been prepared as monomers for ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Under the Grubbs catalyst these monomers smoothly enter homopolymerization as well as co-polymerization reactions with the parent ‘non-fullerene’ monomers. Homopolymers are insoluble in organic solvents whereas co-polymers obtained by 1:1 co-polymerization of the norbornenes with their ‘non-fullerene’ analogues are well soluble.     

Solid-phase synthesis of polymers using the ring-opening metathesis polymerization

We report a general method for the solid-phase synthesis of polymers via the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The method involves polymerization in solution to form a block copolymer, immobilization of the polymer via reaction of one block with a resin-bound functional group, modification of the other block, and liberation of the polymer from the resin. We demonstrated the utility of this approach by generating a block copolymer with an N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester-substituted block (for on-resin functionalization) and a maleimide-substituted block (for conjugation to the resin). We showed that the Diels-Alder reaction can be employed to immobilize the polymers and that amines of diverse structure can be used to modify the resin-bound polymers. The reversibility of the furan-maleimide Diels-Alder adduct was exploited to liberate the polymer from the support. Specifically, treatment of the resin with cyclopentadiene resulted in complete polymer release. The resulting polymers are functional: they were as potent in assays with the lectin concanavalin A as polymers generated by traditional solution routes. We anticipate that this method can be used for the rapid synthesis of diverse polymers via ROMP.     

In situ catalyst systems for ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Several new in situ tungsten catalyst systems for ring-opening metathesis polymerizations (ROMP) by reaction injection molding (RIM) have been developed by adding BF₃ promoter to binary catalyst systems, by using metal hydride cocatalysts, and by altering the ligands on the procatalyst metal center. BF₃ etherates improved catalyst efficiency and reduced induction times for formation of active catalysts from reaction of aryloxytungsten complexes [e.g., (ArO)_y(WX_x)] with organotin hydrides. Coordinatively unsaturated cationic intermediates, such as [(ArO)_yWX_x-1]⁺ BF₃X⁻, are proposed to facilitate formation of the active catalysts. Tougher poly(dicyclopentadiene) (polyDCPD) composites were produced using < 5 wt % of styrene-butadiene block copolymers due to formation of small “shell-core” rubber morphologies when BF₃ promoter was added to the catalyst system. Nonalkylating metal hydrides besides R₃SnH, including (PPh₃)₂CuBH₄, (PPh₃CuH)₆, and Cp₂ZrClH, were shown to be cocatalysts. The optimum 2 : 1 stoichiometric ratio of organotin hydride cocatalyst to tungsten, revealed by BF₃-promoted catalyst systems, and W^V EPR resonances (g ∼ 1.7) observed in the reaction of aryloxytungsten with organotin hydride are consistent with an overall reduction and reoxidation mechanism for formation of the active metathesis catalysts. Some tungsten complexes derived from 9-hydroxyfluorene, 2,2′-(and 4,4′)-biphenols, and 1,4-hydroquinones were found to be very reactive procatalysts, even in the absence of cocatalyst in some cases. These procatalysts also were paramagnetic, characterized by unusual EPR spectra consistent with W^V (g = 1.6–1.9) and “ligand-centered” (g = 2.003) resonances. Valence tautomeric species, analogous to catecholate-semiquinonate complexes, are proposed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 3027–3047, 1997     

Mechanochemical ring-opening metathesis polymerization: development,scope, and mechano-exclusive polymer synthesis

Ruthenium-alkylidene initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization has been realized under solid-state conditions by employing a mechanochemical ball milling method. This method promotes greenness and broadens the scope to include mechano-exclusive products. The carbene- and pyridine-based Grubbs 3^rd-generation complex outperformed other catalysts and maintained similar mechanistic features of solution-phase reactions. High-speed ball milling provides sufficient mixing and energy to the solid reaction mixture, which is composed of an initiator and monomers, to minimize or eliminate the use of solvents. Therefore, the solubility and miscibility of monomers and Ru-initiators are not limiting factors in solid-state ball milling. A wide variety of solid monomers, including ionomers, fluorous monomers, and macromonomers, were successfully polymerized under ball milling conditions. Importantly, direct copolymerization of immiscible (ionic/hydrophobic) monomers exemplifies the synthesis of mechano-exclusive polymers that are difficult to make using traditional solution procedures. Finally, the addition of a small amount of a liquid additive (i.e., liquid-assisted grinding) minimized chain-degradation, enabling high-molecular-weight polymer synthesis.

Mechanochemical ball-milling ring-opening metathesis polymerization minimized solvent use and produced previously inaccessible polymers in solution.     

Synthesis of polymer dielectric layers for organic thin film transistors via surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization

The use of surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization (SI-ROMP) for producing polymer dielectric layers is reported. Surface tethering of the catalyst to Au or Si/SiO2 surfaces is accomplished via self-assembled monolayers of thiols or silanes containing reactive olefins. Subsequent SI-ROMP of norbornene can be conducted under mild conditions. Pentacene semiconducting layers and gold drain/source electrodes are deposited over these polymer dielectric films. The resulting field effect transistors display promising device characteristics, demonstrating for the first time that SI-ROMP can be used in the construction of organic thin-film electronic devices.     

Cure characterization and viscosity development of ring-opening metathesis polymerized resins

The ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) kinetics of three different norbornene-based monomers, ethylidene norbornene (ENB), endo-dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and exo-DCPD, in the presence of Grubbs’ catalyst are examined using differential scanning calorimetry and rheokinetic viscosity measurements. Several different parameters were considered, such as, the monomer healing agents (including different monomer mixtures), the catalyst concentration, and test temperature to determine how these parameters influence cure development. The polymerization kinetics, quantified by exothermic peak locations in the case of differential scanning calorimetry and rheokinetic transition times in the case of viscosity measurements, are shown to be highly dependent on monomer type and catalyst concentration. The ENB monomer had the fastest kinetics even at the lowest catalyst concentration compared to the other diene monomers and mixtures.     

Living ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornenes bay-functionalized perylene diimides

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)-derived poly(oxanorbornene imide)s bearing bay-linked mono - alkoxy -M1 and 1,7-di-alkoxy M2 functionalized perylene diimides (PDIs) were synthesized using Grubb's third ( G3 ) and Hoveyda-Grubbs second generation ( HG2 ) ruthenium-alkylidene metathesis initiators. The mono-alkoxy-derived PDI-based non-ladderphane polymer poly M1 displayed 67% to 77% of the trans olefin content in the polymer chain depending on the initiator used for the polymerization. When using the symmetrical 1,7-di-alkoxy-derived PDI-based polymer poly M2 having the ladderphane type-structure, this displayed a significant amount of cis and trans olefin contents in the polymer chains, irrespective of the type of initiators used for the polymerization. ROMP of both monomers M1 and M2 proceeded in a well-controlled manner with a linear dependence of molecular weight on the monomer/initiator ratio using G3 as initiator. Optical properties of the ladderphane-based poly M2 and non-ladderphane-based poly M1 were characterized in both solution and the film state. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for all the polymers showed significant π-stacking in the thin film state with ordered molecular packing and closer values of d-spacing for both poly M1 and poly M2 . Film morphology examined by AFM elucidated homogenous smooth polymer surface for both polymers in general, but with some irregularities observed for poly M1 . In addition, CV analysis revealed both polymers could be good candidates as electron-accepting materials, with excellent film-forming ability, and thermal stability.     

Synthesis of a hyaluronan neoglycopolymer by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

A hyaluronan (HA)-derived disaccharide was synthesized bearing an n-pentenyl spacer arm, which facilitated disaccharide derivatization with a norbornene template. Subsequent ring opening metathesis polymerization of the monomer produced an HA-mimetic neoglycopolymer of low polydispersity.     

Contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging synthesized with ring-opening metathesis polymerization

A monomer for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) has been developed that also functions as a portion of a GdIII chelating moiety for a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent. An increase in per GdIII relaxivity was shown upon transition from monomer to polymer. Additionally, extremely large molecular relaxivities were achieved through incorporation of multiple GdIII ions per polymer. The nature of ROMP-derived polymers allows for functionalization of the monomer units and termini through orthogonal chemistry. This strategy is the basis for a new class of highly sensitive, targeted imaging agents.     

An efficient approach to surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctadiene

Surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctadiene (COD), a low ring-strain olefin, is reported for the first time. Polymerization was carried out in the vapor phase, which is advantageous compared to conventional solution methods in terms of minimizing chain transfer by reducing polymer chain mobility at the vapor/solid interface. Attachments of a norbornenyl-containing silane and a Grubbs catalyst to silicon substrates were carried out before samples were exposed to COD vapor. The thickness of grafted 1,4-polybutadiene films was controlled by reaction time and reached approximately 40 nm after 7 h. The polymer films were further chemically modified to afford a new polymer, head-to-head poly(vinyl alcohol).     

Regio- and stereoselective ring-opening metathesis polymerization of 3-substituted cyclooctenes

3-Substituted cis-cyclooctenes (3RCOEs, R = methyl, ethyl, hexyl, and phenyl) were synthesized and polymerized, and the polymers therefrom were hydrogenated to prepare model linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) samples. The ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of the 3RCOEs using Grubbs' catalyst proceeded in a regio- and stereoselective manner to afford polyoctenamers [poly(3RCOE)] exhibiting remarkably high head-to-tail regioregularity and high trans-stereoregularity. The overall selectivity increases with the increasing size of the R substituent. Hydrogenation of poly(3RCOE)s afforded precision LLDPEs with R substituents on every eighth backbone carbon.     

Polymerizability of norbornene in ring-opening metathesis polymerization initiated by Mo-based complexes

Concerning the study on the relation between structural parameters and reactivity in ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclo-olefins, the “living” polymerization of norbornene initiated by Schrock's-type complexes was considered as a reference and studied from the kinetic point of view. First kinetic orders with respect to both monomer and active species allow the values of absolute rate constants of propagation to be determined. The thermodynamic parameters obtained from kinetic experiments performed at different temperatures seem to indicate that monomer coordination and metallacycle formation are rate-determining steps in the process studied. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

钌催化降冰片烯开环移位聚合的研究

CpRuCl(PPh~3)~2/O~2和CH~3OCH~2CH~2CpRuCl(PPh~3)~2/O~2体系对降冰片(NBE)开环移位聚合(ROMP)有活性,降冰片烯的转化率和聚降冰片烯主链双键顺反比与气氛催化剂摩尔比及催化剂本身性质有关。在实验的基础上提出了钌催化降冰片烯开环移位聚合的可能机理。     

Regularities of ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene in the presence of molybdenum catalysts

At the initial stages the polymerization of cis-cyclooctene in the bulk with the catalysts Me₃C-CH=Mo(NAr)(OCMe₂CP₃)₂, PhMe₂C-CH=Mo(NAr)(OCMe₂CP₃)₂, Me₃Si-CH=Mo(NAr)(OCMe₂CP₃)₂, and PhMe₂Si-CH=Mo(NAr)(OCMe₂CP₃)₂ predominantly affords cis-polyoctenamers. The content of the trans- units in the polymer increases with an increase in the conversion. The sharpest increase in the trans- unit content observed for conversions higher than 80% is related to secondary metathesis reactions. The number-average molecular weights of the polymers increase linearly with the conversion. At conversions above 80% the molecular weights decrease due to the increasing contribution of chain transfer reactions. Polyoctenamers with the increased content of trans- units crystallize in two modifications.     

Synthesis of hybrid block copolymers via integrated ring-opening metathesis polymerization and polymerization of NCA

Linear hybrid block copolymers with well controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities were synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) followed by ring-opening polymerization of amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides.