Synthesis of high-molecular weight poly(1,1-dimethyl-1-silapentene) by olefin metathesis polymerization in the presence of Grubbs catalysts

Heterochain polycarbosilanes are well-known materials possessed important properties. Some of their applications, such as gas separation membranes, require polymers with high molecular weight that provide good film-forming and mechanical properties. In this research, the synthesis of poly(1,1-dimethyl-1-silapentene) via the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclopentene and the acyclic dienes metathesis (ADMET) of diallyldimethylsilane mediated by Ru-carbene Grubbs complexes 1st - 3rd generations as well as Hoveyda-Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst were studied for the first time. High molecular weight poly(1,1-dimethyl-1-silapentene) was synthesized by ROMP of 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclopentene. Varying the type and loading catalyst, temperature and monomer concentration, we obtained poly(1,1-dimethyl-1-silapentene) with Mw = 100–143 kDa, which is significantly higher (5–7 times) than that reached previously by olefin metathesis polymerization. The activities of 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclopentene and cyclopentene in ROMP were compared using 1H NMR monitoring the conversion of their double bonds. The ADMET polymerization of diallyldimethylsilane led to oligomers with the average polymerization degree not exceeded 4.4.