Novel Pd Catalysts with β-Diketiminates for Homopolymerization of Functionalized Norbornene Derivatives in Water/Organic Mixed Solvents

E-mail: imlee@inha.ac.krReceived June 6, 2013, Accepted June 22, 2013Polynorbornenes prepared by vinyl addition pathway are known to have some desirable characteristics forwider application but they have some critical drawbacks such as brittleness, poor solubility and adhesion. Inorder to improve these drawbacks, extensive research for the successful homo- and copolymerization of polarfunctionalized norbornene with olefin has been carried out. Even though considerable advance has beenachieved in the polymerization of polar functionalized monomers, successful catalytic systems for thehomopolymerization of polar functionalized norbornene are rare. In this study, a novel successful catalyticsystem for the polymerization of polar functionalized norborene is proposed. This system employs Pd β-diketiminate/borate cocatalyst in water/organic mixed solvents and it is unique due to introduction of water asa component of solvents. Polymers obtained in this study show high Mw with narrow PDI. Effects of severalreaction parameters to the polymer activity and properties are investigated and optimal catalytic system areproposed.Key Words : Pd complexes, β-Diketiminate, Vinyl addition polymerization, Polar functionalized norbornene,Suspension polymerizationIntroductionOne of Polynorbornenes (PNBEs), prepared by vinyladdition polymerization, has been attracted much attentiondue to some desirable properties for the application as anoptical material.