Controllable protocol for ring-opening metathesis polymerization using visible light

This technology is a light-activated photocatalyst to achieve light control of olefin metathesis chemistry with on-demand initiation and termination of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) for polymer manufacturing.

Unmet Need: Control of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) initiation step and chain length

Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of alkenes is important for producing industrially important polymers. However, typically ROMP requires metal catalysts which create a lack of control of the initiation step and the length of the polymer chains produced. These limitations, the initiation of the ROMP, and the length of the polymer chains are both addressed using this technology.

The Technology: Light control of olefine metathesis chemistry

The technology is a photoactivated catalyst to provide precise control of olefin metathesis using light. This latent metathesis catalyst that is not active for metathesis at ambient temperature without external activation. Energy or electron transfer from/to the excited state of a photocatalyst induces ligand dissociation and thus starts metathesis. Thus, irradiation by visible light excites a photocatalyst generating active species that can promote ROMP or mechanistically related congeners. Furthermore, turning off the light shuts down metathesis since the active catalyst is no longer present in the media.

Applications:

  • Development of complex polymers
  • Accurate synthesis of polymers in chemical workflows
  • Production of versatile materials

Advantages:

  • Control of initiation step in ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)
  • Precise control of length of polymer chains created through ROMP
  • Cost-effective using visible-light based control

Lead Inventor:

Tomislav Rovis, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending(US20220219155

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