Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene by unicomponent catalysts derived from WCl6

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0304-5102(92)80208-X

The complexes WCl₆(OR), where R=-CH-(CH₂Cl)₂ or substituted phenyl, and WOCl₄ have been found to initiate ring-opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene without any co-catalyst. Their activities are, however, lower than when they are associated with a reducing organometallic co-catalyst. The unicomponent catalysts afford a slightly crosslinked, partially soluble polymer with a relatively high content of cis double bonds in the main chain.