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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
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Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
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Sequence- and Stereocontrolled Ring-Opening/Cross Metathesis Polymerization.
Yali Zhou1, Bo Chen1, Jian Wang1
1Shenzhen Grubbs Institute and Department of Chemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|March 19, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new cascade metathesis polymerization method for creating complex polymers. It uses a chiral catalyst to precisely control the sequence of ring-opening and cross metathesis reactions.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Catalysis
Background:
- Cascade metathesis polymerization enables complex polymer synthesis.
- Controlling polymer sequence with reactive monomers is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sequence-regulated cascade metathesis polymerization.
- To overcome challenges posed by highly reactive monomers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 14-electron, chiral cationic Grubbs-type catalyst.
- Employed sequential ring-opening metathesis and cross metathesis reactions.
- Used monomers with highly strained cyclopropene and terminal alkene groups.
Main Results:
- Achieved asymmetric, cascade ring-opening/cross metathesis polymerization.
- Demonstrated precision control over alternating polymer sequences.
- Produced polymers with all-cis alkenes and high enantioselectivity.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel method for sequence-controlled polymer synthesis.
- The chiral catalyst effectively orchestrates sequential metathesis reactions.
- This approach yields complex polymers with defined stereochemistry.
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