Pd Complex-Promoted Cyclopolymerization of Functionalized α,ω-Dienes and Copolymerization with Ethylene to Afford Polymers with Cyclic Repeating Units

The Pd(II)-diimine catalysts initiate cyclopolymerization of isopropylidene diallylmalonate (I) to produce the polymer containing trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclopentane groups. Use of Pd complexes with a C2-symmetric ligand afforded the polymer with highly regulated tacticity. The polymerization of isopropylidene diallylmalonate in ethylene atmosphere gives the polyethylene with up to 42% comonomer incorporation.