A different polynorbornene backbone by combination of two polymer growth pathways: vinylic addition and ring opening <i>via</i> β-C elimination

Abstract

sequential insertions of norbornene into a Ni-C bond (bicyclic units) combined with an unusual ring opening of the norbornene structure by a β-C elimination (cyclohexenyl methyl units) to give a new Ni-C(alkyl) bond that continues the polymerization. The ring opening events are favored when the rate of propagation of the vinylic addition polymerization decreases, and this can be modulated by making the coordination of norbornene to the metal center less favorable using additional ligands.

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