Catalytic surfactants for ring-opening metathesis polymerization and ring-closing metathesis in non-degassed micellar solutions

Metathesis catalysts bearing long alkyl chains and analogous to Hoveyda's catalyst have been synthesized. Their surface-active properties have been characterized by formation of Langmuir films at the air–water interface. They have been dispersed in micelles formed in non-degassed water and been used in polymerization of a hydrophilic monomer. These surfactants are therefore the first inisurf molecules for metathesis polymerization that are air-stable. Their ability to catalyze ring-closing metathesis in water has also been evaluated.

Graphical abstractNew Hoveyda-type catalysts have been synthesized and characterized. The presence of hydrophobic chains ensures that they are surface-active, therefore, being the first inisurf molecules for ROMP being able to function even in non-degassed water. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide