Microstructure of polymers obtained by cationic polymerization ofendo-dicyclopentadiene

endo-Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) was polymerized by various cationic initiating systems in different solvents. IR and 1H NMR results show that four types of structural units are formed due to the corresponding addition modes: the addition on the norbornenic (NB) double bond generates unit I and rearranged unit II, while the addition on the cyclopentenic (CP) double bond produces unit III and rearranged unit IV. The reaction medium has a stronger effect on the microstructure of the polymer (PDCPD) than initiating systems. The polymers prepared in toluene and n-hexane contain all four structural units, while the polymer produced in methylene chloride is composed of structural units II and IV. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.