Metathesis ring opening polymerization of 5,6-bis(chloromethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2-ene

Abstract 5,6-Bis(chloromethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2-ene undergoes ring opening metathesis polymerization to give poly{1,4-[2,3-bis(chloromethyl)-cyclopentylene] vinylene}. Initiation with MoCl 5 /Me 4 Sn derived catalyst gives atactic polymer with predominantly trans vinylenes, whereas initiation with the WCl 6 /Me 4 Sn system gives atactic polymer with predominantly cis vinylenes.