title: Toward chemical propulsion: synthesis of ROMP-propelled nanocars.
abstract: The synthesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) activity of two nanocars functionalized with an olefin metathesis catalyst is reported. The nanocars were attached to a Hoveyda-Grubbs first- or second-generation metathesis catalyst via a benzylidene moiety. The catalytic activity of these nanocars toward ROMP of 1,5-cyclooctadiene was similar to that of their parent catalysts. The activity of the Hoveyda-Grubbs first-generation catalyst-functionalized nanocar was further tested with polymerization of norbornene. Hence, the prospect is heightened for a ROMP process to propel nanocars across a surface by providing the translational force.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Rice University, MS 222, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.
authors.forename: Jazmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Godoy
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vives
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tour