Processive ring-opening metathesis polymerization of low ring strain cycloalkenes via molecularly confined catalyst.

ABSTRACT: Controlling the reactivity of the propagating chain end in polymerization reactions is crucial for achieving well-defined polymers in both synthetic polymer chemistry and biology. Processive enzymes in nature have evolved substrate-enclosing structures, safeguarding the catalytic center against reentry by the nascent polymer. Here, we present a strategy for processive catalytic polymerization by encapsulating catalysts for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) into the sub-surface cages of a metal-organic framework. The sub-surface encapsulation of the catalysts within the framework allowed the nascent polymer to grow out of the framework with minimal impedance and achieve continuous chain growth, while protecting the propagating polymer chain end from the secondary metathesis reac

SUBMITTER: Zhou Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12489050 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature