The Brantley group published their first publication in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). Their research explores synthesis and reactivity of metallocarbene-containing polymers.
Metallopolymers are an emerging class of materials with potential uses such as semiconductors, catalysts, optical device components, and stimuli responsive networks. While polymer frameworks have been decorated with various organometallic species, the incorporation of metallocarbenes has been largely overlooked.
“In our article, we report ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) as a strategy for the synthesis of Fischer carbene-containing polymers,” Breana Wilson said. “These polymers could be made with a wide range of molecular weights and exhibited exceptional stability.”
The tungsten carbene subunits could be incorporated into block copolymers, as well as undergo post synthetic modification. Moreover, the metallocarbene polymers were found to release carbon monoxide (CO) upon exposure to light or oxygen.
Wilson said, “These metallocarbene-containing polymers could represent new platforms for the development of functional materials.”
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b04077
“Synthesis and Reactivity of Metallocarbene-Containing Polymers”