Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of fullerene-containing monomers in the presence of a first-generation Grubbs catalyst

Abstract

New norbornene-type monomers containing covalently bound C60 fullerene have been obtained. In the presence of the 1st generation Grubbs catalyst [(PCy₃)₂Cl₂RuCHPh] (Cy is cyclohexyl), these monomers smoothly undergo homopolymerization and copolymerization with parent fullerene-free monomers. The homopolymers are insoluble in common organic solvents, while the copolymers obtained at different molar ratios to their fullerene-free analogues are very soluble in organic solvents and can be suitable for the preparation of thin films.