Monolithic systems: from separation science to heterogeneous catalysis

Recent results that have been obtained in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)‐based synthesis of monolithic supports are summarized. We have elaborated a synthetic concept that allows modifying monolithic supports in a way that they can be used both for applications in separation science, for SEC and as supports for catalytically active systems. In all cases, a tailor‐made microstructure was accessible due to the controlled character of the transition‐metal catalyzed polymerization. Taking advantage of the “living” catalytic sites, an “in situ” functionalization was accomplished by subsequently grafting a variety of functional monomers and catalyst precursors onto the rod. Their design and use as supports for high‐performance separation devices (e.g. for ds‐DNA) and catalytic supports (e.g. supported Grubbs‐type catalysts) is summarized.