New catalysts for linear polydicyclopentadiene synthesis

The ring-opening polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) may occur in two ways: in the first way the reaction occurs by opening of the norbornene ring, in the second one both rings, norbornene and cyclopentene are involved. The polymerization of DCPD via opening of norbornene moiety implies the utilization of very selective catalytic systems. In our work, several new catalytic systems for synthesis of linear polydicyclopentadiene, derived from WCl6 and WOCl4 and organosilicon compounds have been employed. The microstructure of the linear polydicyclopentadiene (prepared from endo-DCPD) was evaluated from IR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, showing that the polymer has prevailingly “cis” double bond configuration. The thermal behavior has been followed by differential scanning calorimetry. The linear polydicyclopentadiene obtained under these conditions has a glass-transition temperature of 53°C.