title: A modular approach to main-chain organometallic polymers.
abstract: A highly efficient route to a new class of organometallic polymers containing difunctional N-heterocyclic carbenes has been developed. Bis(imidazolium) halides and divalent group X metals were copolymerized to afford organometallic polymers in up to quantitative yields and with molecular weights up to 10(6) Da, depending on the structure of the N-heterocyclic carbene and the incorporated transition metal. Enhanced solubilities were demonstrated through post-polymerization ligation with phosphines. Finally, selective end-group functionalization and excellent molecular weight control was achieved through the inclusion of monofunctional chain transfer agents during the polymerization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Boydston
authors.forename: Kyle A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Christopher W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Bielawski
mesh_terms: D015394:Molecular Structure; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D010165:Palladium / Q000737:chemistry*; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011108:Polymers; D010984:Platinum; D010165:Palladium