ROMP of t-butyl-substituted ferrocenophanes affords soluble conjugated polymers that contain ferrocene moieties in the backbone

Structural and thermodynamic insights into the coordination preference of norbornadiene with the initiator complex [RuCl2(PPh3)2(piperidine)] in polymerization via olefin metathesis

The metathesis reaction has been an important tool in both organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry. More specifically in polymer chemistry, ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), via the formation of an active metal-carbene species (MCHR), has been widely used. The elucidation of the mechanism for ROMP opened the way for the development of well-defined catalysts, suited to local conditions. In the present study, we employed density functional theory (DFT) to investigate three reaction pathways for the formation of a species capable of activating ROMP. The active species is formed from the [RuCl2(PPh3)2(pip)] complex in the presence of norbornadiene (NBD) and the carbene source ethyl diazoacetate (EDA). Formation of a hexacoordinated intermediate [RuCl2(PPh3)2(pip)(NBD)] is favored in the first step, with NBD doubly coordinated to the [RuCl2(PPh3)2(pip)] moiety. Analysis of donation (X → Ru) and back-donation (Ru → X) processes in the [RuCl2(PPh3)2(pip)(NBD)] complex shows that piperidine behaves as a σ donor, while NBD behaves as a π donor and the PPh3 groups act as π acceptors. The intensity of the orbital component is predominant in relation to the steric component in the complex. Thus, we propose that the reaction occurs through the formation of a hexacoordinated complex, followed by the dissociation of a PPh3 group, thus forming a complex where NBD is doubly coordinated to the metal center. Coordination of EDA leads finally to the catalyst capable of forming the metallocyclobutane intermediate required for the ROMP reaction.

Ferrocene-Containing Conjugated Oligomers Synthesized by Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization

A series of conjugated, symmetrical, and ferrocene-containing main-chain monomers was prepared following a gentle coupling reaction. Ferrocene-containing oligomers with all-trans-configured vinylene bonds could be synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization. These oligomers had a larger Stokes shift (2400 to 2600 cm⁻¹) and both exhibited stable and reversible electrochemistry. Meanwhile, the copolymerization of 1,1’-bis[1-methyl-2-(4-vinylphenyl)ethenyl]ferrocene with 2,7-divinyl-9,9-dioctylfluorene was achieved. The structurally regular copolymers proved their optical and electrochemical properties. The fluorescence intensity of the copolymer gradually enhanced with the increasing number of fluorene units. At the same time, it was also found that the color of the copolymers had a significant change from yellow-green to red.

ROMP Synthesis of Iron-Containing Organometallic Polymers

The paper overviews iron-containing polymers prepared by controlled “living” ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Developments in the design and synthesis of this class of organometallic polymers are highlighted, pinpointing methodologies and newest trends in advanced applications of hybrid materials based on polymers functionalized with iron motifs.

Sandwich complex-containing macromolecules: property tunability through versatile synthesis

Sandwich complexes feature unique properties as the physical and electronic properties of a hydrocarbon ligand or its derivative are integrated into the physical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of a metal. Incorporation of these complexes into macromolecules results in intriguing physical, electrical, and optical properties that were hitherto unknown in organic-based macromolecules. These properties are tunable through well-designed synthetic strategies. This review surveys many of the synthetic approaches that have resulted in tuning the properties of sandwich complex-containing macromolecules. While the past two decades have seen an ever-growing number of research publications in this field, gaps remain to be filled. Thus, we expect this review to stimulate research interest towards bridging these gaps, which include the insolubility of some of these macromolecules as well as expanding the scope of the sandwich complexes.

Strained metallocenophanes and related organometallic rings containing pi-hydrocarbon ligands and transition-metal centers

The structures, bonding, and ring-opening reactions of strained cyclic carbon-based molecules form a key component of standard textbooks. In contrast, the study of strained organometallic molecules containing transition metals is a much more recent development. A wealth of recent research has revealed fascinating nuances in terms of structure, bonding, and reactivity. Building on initial work on strained ferrocenophanes, a broad range of strained organometallic rings composed of a variety of different metals, pi-hydrocarbon ligands, and bridging elements has now been developed. Such strained species can potentially undergo ring-opening reactions to functionalize surfaces and ring-opening polymerization to form easily processed metallopolymers with properties determined by the presence of the metal and spacer. This Review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the preparation, structural characterization, electronic structure, and reactivity of strained organometallic rings with pi-hydrocarbon ligands and d-block metals.

Polyferrocenylsilane-Based Polymer Systems

The study of metallopolymers has blossomed into a mature field over the last few decades. Especially, polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) chemistry has taken a tremendous leap and continues to raise intense interest. Since the discovery of thermal ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of sila[1]ferrocenophanes, PFSs have been also accessed by anionic, cationic, transition-metal-catalyzed, and photolytic anionic ROP methodologies. A plethora of synthetic strategies have been devised, enabling access to a wide variety of copolymers, polyelectrolytes, and nanostructured materials. The distinctive physical properties and functions of many PFS-based polymers have been explored, leading to their apt exploitation in technical applications. Therefore, it is conceivable that PFS-related platforms might be indispensable nano-objects in the near future, as they stand on the verge of a new generation of sophisticated materials.

Main-chain organometallic polymers: synthetic strategies, applications, and perspectives

Main-chain organometallic polymers utilize transition metal-organic ligand complexes as primary components of their backbones. These hybrid materials effectively integrate the physical and electronic properties of organic polymers with the physical, electronic, optical, and catalytic properties of organometallic complexes. Combined with the rich and continuously growing array of ligands for transition metals, these materials have outstanding potential for use in a broad range of applications. This tutorial review discusses the major classes of main-chain organometallic polymers, including coordination polymers, poly(metal acetylide)s, and poly(metallocene)s. Emphasis is placed on their synthesis, characterization, physical properties, and applications, as well as ongoing challenges and limitations. These discussions are supplemented with highlights from the recent literature. The review concludes with perspectives on the current status of the field, as well as opportunities that lie just beyond its frontier.