Reactivity of niobium(V) pentaalkoxide complexes: Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene

The ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclic olefins with niobium(V) pentaalkoxide catalysts was studied. In the presence of zinc, benzylidene dichloride, and chlorotrimethylsilane, in situ niobium species was formed and ROMP reaction proceeded. Among niobium pentaalkoxide group, Nb(OEt)5 achieved the smallest dispersity value of the polymer and provided trans selective polynorbornene. In this paper, we discussed the role of additives and expected how the polymer was synthesized with Nb(OEt)5/TMSCl/Zn/PhCHCl2 system. We also elucidated the intermediate using some measurement.

Automated summary

The ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclic olefins with niobium(V) pentaalkoxide catalysts was investigated, and the presence of zinc, benzylidene dichloride, and chlorotrimethylsilane led to the formation of in situ niobium species and the successful ROMP reaction. Among the niobium pentaalkoxide group, Nb(OEt)5 exhibited the smallest polymer dispersity value and provided trans selective polynorbornene. This paper discussed the role of additives and elucidated the synthesis process of the polymer using the Nb(OEt)5/TMSCl/Zn/PhCHCl2 system, along with the characterization of the intermediate species using various measurements.