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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

A Simple and Efficient Protocol for the Catalytic Insertion Polymerization of Functional Norbornenes
Published on: February 27, 2017
Expanding the ROMP Toolbox: Synthesis of Air-Stable Benzonorbornadiene Polymers by Aryne Chemistry
Jose M Medina1, Jeong Hoon Ko1, Heather D Maynard1,2
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 607 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States.
Abstract:
Benzonorbornadiene polymers synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) are typically prone to oxidation at the benzylic/allylic position under ambient conditions. Accordingly, the use of benzonorbornadiene polymers in practical applications has remained limited. In this manuscript, we report the synthesis of poly(benzonorbornadiene) polymers using a strategic blend of benzyne chemistry and ROMP. Through a comparative study, we show that substitution at the benzylic/allylic position prevents oxidative deformation, yet does not inhibit polymerization by common ruthenium catalysts with good control over molecular weight dispersity. We expect the benzyne/ROMP reaction sequence will allow easy access to air-stable benzonorbornadiene polymers for various applications.
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