Bulk Metathesis Polymerization of Cyclooctene

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Abstract
The bulk ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclooctene initiated with the WCI6/Sn(CH3)4 catalytic system was investigated at 40, 100, and 160°C using high vacuum techniques. The polymerizations were followed over a period of several days. Detailed analyses of the polymerization products by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and 1H and 13C NMR were carried out. Along with unsaturated high molecular weight (HMW) polymer (polyoctenamer), low molecular weight (LMW) polymer was found, the proportion of the latter increasing with time. The LMW fraction contains saturated LMW polymer together with ring polymer. The results are explained in terms of kinetic and thermody-namic arguments.