Stannylated polynorbornenes as new reagents for a clean Stille reaction

New functionalized polynorbornenes have been obtained in good yields by vinylic copolymerization of norbornene with a (norbornenyl)SnBu(2)Cl monomer, catalyzed by Ni(C(6)F(5))(2)(SbPh(3))(2)]. Subsequent functionalization produces a wide variety of polymers with different --SnBu(2)R groups (R=aryl, vinyl, alkynyl). The polymers can be used as R-transfer reagents in Stille couplings, thereby providing easy workup and separation of the polymeric tin byproducts from the coupling products. Tin contents of around 0.05 wt % are found in the Stille products. The stannylated polymers can be recycled and reused with good efficiency.