Catalytic Polymerization of Cycloolefins

Book excerpt: This book covers the most important topics concerning cationic Ziegler-Natta and ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cycloolefins. The work describes the major pathways that cycloolefins can follow under the action of specific catalytic systems, essentially vinyl and ring-opening polymerization, both reaction types allowing the manufacture of distinct products with wide applicability in modern technologies. The comprehensive data available on this subject are logically and systematically selected and reviewed throughout 18 chapters, according to the basic catalytic processes involved, types of monomers and catalysts employed, reaction conditions and application fields. The modern trends in design of chiral metallocene catalysts, well-defined living metathesis catalysts, catalysts tolerant toward functionalities and water systems are highlighted. The book discusses in detail the relevant aspects of these processes including reaction thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanisms and stereochemistry and correlates the structure of produced polymers with their chemical and physical-mechanical properties. Related important topics include Ziegler-Natta polymerization of olefins and dienes, atom transfer radical polymerization of vinyl compounds, metathesis of olefins and acetylenes, acyclic diene metathesis reaction, carbonyl olefination reaction, metathesis polymerization of acetylenes, metathesis degradation of polymers and ring-opening polymerization of heterocycles. Special emphasis is laid upon the manufacture of commerical products, new polymers and copolymers of potential interest for industry and design and synthesis of speciality polymers with particular structures and architectures and desired properties. The book critically evaluates the most recent achievements reported in this field and outlines the modern trends on the research and application of the catalytic processes for cycloolefin polymerization. For the first time, comprehensive information about the published data on the subject up to now is provided for both academic and industrial researchers working in the areas of polymer chemistry, organic and organometallic chemistry, surface science and catalysis, petrochemistry and chemical engineering. This stimulating book offers an enlightening introduction and a quick documentation on the subject as well as a solid background in this field. Moreover, the work offers a wealth of useful information for specialists applying polymers in various scientific and industrial areas.