Abstract
Main-chain metallopolymers are synthesized by olefin metathesis polymerizations. These polymers are mainly produced through acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The special metal moieties, metal-binding motifs, and unsaturated macromolecular backbone endow the metallopolymers with unique properties. This review highlights recent advances in studies on the family of main-chain metallopolymers carrying both main-group and transition metals by olefin metathesis polymerizations. We emphasize the synthesis, physiochemical properties, and applications of these polymers. Synthetic strategies are discussed from a perspective of the structure-activity relationship between monomers and polymerization efficiency. The correlations between macromolecular compositions/sequences and emerging properties are highlighted in terms of stimuli-responsiveness, conductivity, and crystalline characteristics. Lastly, we describe the current status of the field and highlight gray areas for future research.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.