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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Strain-Driven Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Benjamin R Elling1, William J Neary2
1Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut 06457, United States.
Chemical Reviews
|March 26, 2026
Summary
Strain-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) enables precision macromolecule synthesis. This review details its evolution, focusing on ring strain
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) has evolved into a versatile method for creating well-defined polymers.
- Strain-driven ROMP leverages the thermodynamic driving force of ring strain for efficient polymerization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development and current state of strain-driven ROMP.
- To elucidate the fundamental principles of ring strain and its impact on polymerizability.
- To guide monomer selection and design using thermodynamic parameters and computational tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical literature and mechanistic studies on ROMP.
- Analysis of the thermodynamic factors (enthalpy, entropy) governing ring strain.
- Tabulated comparisons of monomer classes (cyclopropenes, cyclobutenes, cyclopentenes, etc.) and bridged-ring systems.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of the theoretical basis and thermodynamic consequences of ring strain.
- Assessment of enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) contributions to polymerizability.
- Comprehensive comparison of various monomer classes for ROMP applications.
Conclusions:
- Strain-driven ROMP is a powerful and modular platform for precision macromolecule synthesis.
- Understanding ring strain is crucial for designing effective ROMP monomers.
- This review provides foundational knowledge and practical guidance for advancing ROMP research.
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