Synthesis of cobalt containing block copolymers via ring opening metathesis polymerizastion (ROMP)

In order to realize a metal containing nano-structure, a block-copolymer containing alkynyl groups in one block was designed and synthesized by living ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) technique. The newly developed bis-3-bromopyridine complex of Grubbs catalyst was employed in the series of polymerization and it yielded the desired polymers with great molecular weight control and narrow polydispersities. The characteristics of the block copolymers were investigated by gel permeation chromatography, H- and H-13- NMR spectroscopy. Complexation of the alkynyl group containing block copolymers by treatment with dicobalt octacarbonyl occurred smoothly in 5 min at room temperature. GPC analysis before and after cobalt complexation indicated a significant increase of the hydrodynamic volume. AFM images of the films before and after the complexation also showed a noticeable change in its morphology where grain sizes become smaller and more regular upon complexation.