Title: Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene catalyzed by a Ru(II)-vinylidene complex
Abstract: Highly selective ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene can be achieved using a new Ru(II)-vinylidene complex as catalyst precursor. The polymerization reaction proceeds in 1,2-dichloroethane at 80 °C in absence of co-catalysts with high turnover frequencies. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polymers obtained indicate that different species are active in the catalytic process.