Bulk Synthesis and Modeling of Living ROMP of 1,5‐Cyclooctadiene for Narrowly Distributed Low Molecular Weight Linear Polyethylenes

The bulk ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene is carried out with a commercially available Grubbs' catalyst, bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)benzylidine ruthenium(IV) dichloride, with and without triphenylphosphine. Bulk ROMP exhibits living polymerization features and yields polyethylene mimics with comparable or improved molecular weight distribution control and similar conversions as solution ROMP. The reaction …