Synthesis of “Necklace” Polymers by Chain-Walking Polymerization

We report an efficient catalytic synthesis of "necklace" polymers, polyethylene (PE) denpols, utilizing the chain-walking polymerization (CWP). The approach is based on the design of a linear multivalent chain-walking catalyst that can initiate hyperbranched polymerization of ethylene for in situ formation of multiple dendritic PEs covalently tethered to the linear polymer backbone. The simplicity and efficiency of this approach makes it promising for facile preparation of large soluble nanostructures for various potential applications.