Photodegradable polymers: Synthesis, characterization and photochemistry of vinyl polymers with Fe-Fe bonds incorporated into the backbone

In the present work the synthesis of vinyl polymers with Fe-Fe bonds along the backbone is described. The synthesis and polymerization of two polymers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) (polymer 1) and via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization (ADMET) and radical chain polymerization (polymer 2) is discussed. Because the Fe-Fe bond is photochemically reactive, the polymers are photodegradable. The mechanism of the photodegradation is also be discussed.