Synthesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization of second-generation dendronized poly(ether) monomers initiated by ruthenium carbenes

The Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of second-generation dendronized monomers is described. Using the highly active and fast-initiating third-generation ruthenium complex [(H2IMes)(pyr)2Cl2RuCHPh], moderate to high molecular weight polymers (430-2230 kDa) are efficiently synthesized with low dispersities (Ð = 1.01-1.17). This study highlights the power of the metathesis approach toward polymer synthesis in a context where monomer structure can significantly impede polymerization.