Ring-Opening Polymerization of Strained, Ring-Tilted Metallocenophanes

Abstract

Recent developments involving the use of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) as a new route to high molecular weight polymers containing skeletal transition metal atoms are described ROP of strained, ring-tilted silicon-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes provides a route to high molecular weight poly(ferrocenylsilanes). These polymers possess an unusual backbone of alternating ferrocene groups and silicon atoms and the current knowledge of the properties of these interesting materials is reviewed with emphasis on their electrical and electrochemical properties, thermal transition behavior, and morphology. Related [1]ferrocenophanes containing germanium or phosphorus in the bridge also undergo ROP to yield poly(ferrocenylgermanes) and poly(ferrocenylphosphines), respectively. The recent extension of this ROP approach to [2]metallocenophanes to yield new iron and ruthenium containing polymers is also discussed.