Tolerant to air σ-alkane complexes by surface modification of single crystalline solid-state molecular organometallics using vapour-phase cationic polymerisation: SMOM@polymer

Vapour-phase surface-initiated cationic polymerisation of ethylvinylether occurs at single-crystals of the sigma-alkane complex [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(NBA)][BAr4F]. This new surface interface makes these normally very air sensitive materials tolerant to air, while also allowing for onward single-crystal to single-crystal reactivity at metal sites within the lattice.