A bimetallic ruthenium complex as a catalyst precursor for the atom transfer radical polymerization of methacrylates at ambient temperature

The bimetallic ruthenium complex [(1,3,5-i-Pr3C6H3)Ru( mu-Cl)(3)RuCl(C2H4)(PCY3)] has been synthesized by reaction of [(1,3,5-i-Pr3C6H3)RuCl2)](2) with one equivalent of PCY3 in the presence of ethylene. It can be used as a catalyst precursor for the controlled atom transfer radical polymerization of methacrylates at 35 degrees C. The resulting polymers show low polydispersities.