Metathesis Polymerization Reactions Induced by the Bimetallic Complex (Ph4P)2[W2(μ-Br)3Br6]

Chriti, Despoina; Grigoropoulos, Alexios; Raptopoulos, Grigorios; Charalambidis, Georgios; Nikolaou, Vasilis; Coutsolelos, Athanassios G.; Pitsikalis, Marinos; Mertis, Konstantinos; Paraskevopoulou, Patrina

doi:10.3390/polym7121536

Open AccessArticle

Metathesis Polymerization Reactions Induced by the Bimetallic Complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆]

by

Despoina Chriti

¹

,

Alexios Grigoropoulos

¹

,

Grigorios Raptopoulos

¹,

Georgios Charalambidis

²,

Vasilis Nikolaou

²,

Athanassios G. Coutsolelos

²

,

Marinos Pitsikalis

³,

Konstantinos Mertis

^1,* and

Patrina Paraskevopoulou

^1,*

¹

Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece

²

Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Voutes Campus, Heraklion 71003, Greece

³

Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Polymers 2015, 7(12), 2611-2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym7121536

Submission received: 8 November 2015 / Revised: 24 November 2015 / Accepted: 1 December 2015 / Published: 9 December 2015

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Mediated Polymer Synthesis)

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Abstract

:

The reactivity of the bimetallic complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆] ({W^2.5W}⁷⁺, a′²e³) towards ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene (NBE) and some of its derivatives, as well as the mechanistically related metathesis polymerization of phenylacetylene (PA), is presented. Our results show that addition of a silver salt (AgBF₄) is necessary for the activation of the ditungsten complex. Polymerization of PA proceeds smoothly in tetrahydrofuran (THF) producing polyphenylacetylene (PPA) in high yields. On the other hand, the ROMP of NBE and its derivatives is more efficient in CH₂Cl₂, providing high yields of polymers. ¹³C Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning (CPMAS) spectra of insoluble polynorbornadiene (PNBD) and polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) revealed the operation of two mechanisms (metathetic and radical) for cross-linking, with the metathesis pathway prevailing.

Keywords:

metathesis; ROMP; metal-metal bonds; tungsten

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

Metathesis reactions induce the mild cleavage/formation and redistribution of carbon-carbon double bonds and therefore allow for the synthesis of complex functional molecules in one-pot reactions. Among them, metathesis polymerization of alkynes [1,2,3] and ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cycloolefins [4,5,6] yield unsaturated polymeric materials and are considered as two of the most important tools in polymer chemistry, leading to the synthesis of novel materials (Scheme 1). The properties of these polymers sensitively depend on their microstructure. This is, in effect, directly related to the stereoselectivity of the reaction, but tuning the conformation of polymers has been a long-standing problem [7,8]. Therefore, the choice of catalyst for each reaction is important, where high activity and selectivity need to be combined with functional group tolerance.

Scheme 1. Metathesis polymerization of alkynes (left) and Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of cycloolefins (right).

A wide range of catalytic systems have been explored, including uni-, bi-, and multicomponent ones, based mainly on mononuclear transition metal complexes along the periodic table (Ti, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Re, Co, Ru, Os) [9,10]. In any case, the active catalytic species for metathesis polymerization reactions is a metallocarbene, which is either generated in situ, or has been previously synthesized and isolated, such as the well-defined Katz ([(OC)₅W = C(Ph)R]; R = OMe, Ph) [11,12], Schrock (Mo- and W-based) [13], and Grubbs (Ru-based) [14] alkylidenes and their numerous variations. Many of the catalytic systems in which metallocarbenes are formed in situ are ill-defined, because the exact nature of the active species remains unknown. Apart from homogeneous systems, immobilized (on polymeric or inorganic support) and recyclable catalysts have also been developed [15,16].

Bimetallic complexes with metal-metal bonds have been scarcely employed [17], although they provide more precise control over stereoselectivity, because both metal centers can be involved in the reaction. We have already reported that the ditungsten complex Na[W₂(μ-Cl)₃Cl₄(THF)₂]·(THF)₃ (2, {W³W}⁶⁺, a′²e′⁴) is a highly efficient and stereoselective room temperature homogeneous and/or heterogeneous initiator for metathesis polymerization of alkynes [18] and ROMP of norbornene (NBE) and some of its derivatives [19]. That complex acts as a unicomponent initiator in most cases. Addition of small amounts of phenylacetylene (PA) generates a more reactive system, which is also more tolerant to coordinating side groups [20].

In view of exploring the potential catalytic reactivity of multiply-bonded transition metal complexes and establishing efficient, robust and stereoselective catalytic systems for metathesis polymerization reactions, we report a study of the reactivity of the perbromo-complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆] (1, {W^2.5W}⁷⁺, a′²e′³) towards the ROMP of NBE and some of its derivatives, as well as towards the mechanistically-related polymerization of PA. 1 is easily accessible, moderately air-stable, bears labile ligands and higher nuclear charge compared to 2. Our results show that addition of a silver salt (AgBF₄) is required in order to activate the ditungsten complex. Comparison of the present catalytic system with that based on the structurally analogous 2 in terms of reactivity, as well as properties of the polymers formed, is also presented.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. General

Starting materials were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Sigma-Aldrich Chemie GmbH, Steinheim, Germany) and are of the highest available purities. (Ph₄P)[W(CO)₅Br] [21] and (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆] (1) [22] were prepared according to literature procedures. For the synthesis of both compounds, Ph₄PBr was used instead of ⁿPr₄NBr. PA was passed through an Al₂O₃ column and was distilled under vacuum. NBE was dissolved in the solvent used for the reaction, was dried by stirring with CaH₂ under argon, and it was distilled under vacuum prior to use. NBD, VNBE, and DCPD were dried by stirring with CaH₂ and they were distilled under vacuum. THF and Et₂O were distilled over Na/Ph₂CO, toluene, and hexane over Na, CH₂Cl₂ over CaH₂, and methanol over sodium methoxide. All solvents were distilled in an inert atmosphere, and were degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles, with the exception of methanol, which was degassed by bubbling nitrogen or argon for 0.5 h. All operations were performed under a pure dinitrogen or argon atmosphere, using Schlenk techniques on an inert gas/vacuum manifold or in a drybox (O₂, H₂O <1 ppm).

UV-Vis spectra were recorded on Hitachi U-2000 (Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and Varian Cary 3E spectrophotometers (Varian Associates Inc, Mulgrave (Melbourne), Victoria, Australia). NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Unity Plus 300 spectrometer (Varian Associates Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). In all cases, chemical shifts are reported in ppm relative to the deuterated solvent resonances. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) experiments were carried out with a modular instrument consisting of a Waters model 600 pump, a Waters model U6K sample injector, a Waters model 410 differential refractometer and a set of 4 μ-Styragel columns with a continuous porosity range of 106–103 Å (Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA). The columns were housed in an oven thermostated at 40 °C. THF was the carrier solvent at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The instrument was calibrated with PS standards covering the molecular weight range of 400–900,000. The thermal stability of the polymers was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) employing a Q50 TGA model from TA instruments (TA Instruments-Waters LLC, New castle, DE, USA). Samples were placed in platinum crucibles. An empty platinum crucible was used as a reference. Samples were heated from ambient temperatures to 600 °C in a 60 mL/min flow of N₂ at a heating rate of 10 °C/min.

Mass spectra were obtained on a Bruker UltrafleXtreme matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectrometer (Bruker, Bremen, Germany) using trans-2-[3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propenylidene]malononitrile (DCTB) as matrix. Spectra in the positive ion mode as well as in the negative ion mode were measured.

2.2. Catalytic Reactions

A typical procedure is described as follows. Monomer (e.g., PA; 653 μL, 608 mg, 6.0 mmol) was added to a solution of 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol) in a solvent (e.g., THF; 10.0 mL), followed by the silver salt (AgBF₄; 6.6 mg, 0.034 mmol) when employed. The mixture was allowed to react at room temperature for a given time, after which it was concentrated to half volume and treated with excess of methanol to have the polymeric products precipitated. The resulting solids were filtered and washed repeatedly with methanol. When it was possible, polymers were re-dissolved in THF and the above procedure was repeated at least three times. The products were dried in vacuo.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Catalyst Synthesis and Characterization

Compound 1 was synthesized from the reaction of (Ph₄P)[W(CO)₅Br] and 1,2-dibromoethane in refluxing chlorobenzene, according to the literature procedure for the synthesis of the analogous ⁿPr₄N⁺ salt [22], which features face-sharing bioctahedral (FSBO) geometry, with three terminal bromide ligands on each tungsten atom and three bridging ones (Scheme 2), and contains a metal-metal bond of order 2.5. Crystals of 1 suitable for X-ray analysis could not be obtained, but the complex was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy in CH₃CN (Figure S1) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (Figure 1 and Figures S2–S6). UV-Vis spectra of both compounds (1 and the ⁿPr₄N⁺ salt) featured four peaks at the same wavelengths and with very similar molar absorption coefficients (Table S1). MALDI-TOF mass spectra in the positive ion region revealed fragments attributed to Ph₄P⁺ and [(Ph₄P)₃W₂Br₉]⁺, while in the negative ion region mononuclear and dinuclear fragments were observed (Table 1).

Scheme 2. Schematic representation of the dianion of complex 1, [W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆]²⁻.

Figure 1. MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of 1 in trans-2-[3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propenylidene]malononitrile (DCTB) (fragment [W₂Br₉]⁻).

Table 1. Fragments (m/z) of 1.

**Table 1.** Fragments (m/z) of 1.
Fragment	m/z (Theoretical)	m/z (Experimental)
Ph₄P⁺	339	339.213
[(Ph₄P)₃W₂Br₉]⁺	2104	2106.932
[W₂Br₉]⁻	1086	1085.809
[Ph₄PW₂Br₉]⁻	1427	1427.563
[WBr₅]⁻	583	582.207
[W₂Br₇]⁻	926	925.977

1 is moderately air-sensitive (oxygen, moisture); in the solid state, it is stable in air at room temperature for a few hours. It is soluble in CH₂Cl₂ and CH₃CN, less soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and CHCl₃, and insoluble in toluene and Et₂O. It was repeatedly recrystallized and checked carefully for purity (UV-Vis) before use.

3.2. Polymerization Reactions

Polymerization reactions were carried out at room temperature, for a given time, as shown in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5 and Table 6. Monomers studied include phenylacetylene (PA), norbornene (NBE), 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNBE), norbornadiene (NBD) and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). All possible products are shown in Scheme 3. Soluble polymers were characterized using ¹H NMR spectroscopy (Figures S7–S9) and insoluble polymers using ¹³C Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning (CPMAS) spectroscopy. Addition of AgBF₄ was required, otherwise 1 was inactive towards polymerization reactions. The role of AgBF₄ was to remove one or more bromide ligands, thus generating vacant coordination sites at the bimetallic core, available for monomer coordination.

Table 2. Polymerization of phenylacetylene (PA) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.

**Table 2.** Polymerization of phenylacetylene (PA) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.
Entry	Solvent	1/AgBF₄/PA Molar ratio	t (h)	Yield (%)	M_n × 10⁻³ ^e	M_w/M_n ^e	cis (%) ^f
1	CH₂Cl₂	1/2/350 ^a	24	9	5.2	1.45	0
2	CH₂Cl₂	1/3/350 ^b	24	12	4.6	1.37	0
3	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/350 ^c	24	20	2.8	1.89	0
4	THF	1/2/350 ^a	8	4	41.8	1.86	75
5	THF	1/2/350 ^a	16	88	67.8	1.60	77
6	THF	1/2/350 ^a	24	95	59.5	1.58	88
7	THF	1/3/350 ^b	2	13	70.5	1.72	85
8	THF	1/3/350 ^b	6	98	207	1.16	87
9	THF	1/3/350 ^b	8	79	54.2	1.61	85
10	THF	1/3/350 ^b	24	59	16.0	2.07	85
11	Toluene	1/3/350 ^b	24	- ^d	- ^d	- ^d	- ^d
12	CH₃CN	1/3/350 ^b	24	- ^d	- ^d	- ^d	- ^d

^a Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (6.6 mg, 0.034 mmol), PA (653 μL, 608 mg, 6.0 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^b Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (9.9 mg, 0.051 mmol), PA (653 μL, 608 mg, 6.0 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^c Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), PA (653 μL, 608 mg, 6.0 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^d No polymer was isolated; ^e By SEC in THF at 40 °C vs. polystyrene standards; ^f As determined by ¹H NMR in CDCl₃.

Table 3. Polymerization of norbornene (NBE) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.

**Table 3.** Polymerization of norbornene (NBE) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.
Entry	Solvent	1/AgBF₄/NBE Molar ratio	[NBE] (M)	t (h)	Yield (%)	M_n × 10⁻³ ^g	M_w/M_n ^g	cis (%) ^h
1	CH₂Cl₂	1/2/350 ^a	0.6	24	6	103.8	1.60	65
2	CH₂Cl₂	1/3/350 ^b	0.6	24	8	82.3	1.80	68
3	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/350 ^c	0.6	24	22	186.7	1.25	62
4	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^d	0.8	1	15	810.5	1.34	42
5	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^d	0.8	2	94	547.1	1.28	48
6	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^e	1.7	0.4	98	- ⁱ	- ⁱ	- ⁱ
7	THF	1/4/500 ^e	1.7	24	- ^f	- ^f	- ^f	- ^f
8	CH₃CN	1/4/500 ^e	1.7	24	- ^f	- ^f	- ^f	- ^f

^a Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (6.6 mg, 0.034 mmol), NBE (565.0 mg, 6.0 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^b Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (9.9 mg, 0.051 mmol), NBE (565.0 mg, 6.0 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^c Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), NBE (565.0 mg, 6.0 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^d Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), NBE (800.0 mg, 8.5 mmol), 10 mL solvent; ^e Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), NBE (800.0 mg, 8.5 mmol), 5 mL solvent; ^f No polymer was isolated; ^g By SEC in THF at 40 °C vs. polystyrene standards; ^h As determined by ¹H NMR spectra in CDCl₃; ⁱ Polymer insoluble in CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂, THF.

Table 4. Polymerization of 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNBE) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.

**Table 4.** Polymerization of 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNBE) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.
Entry	Solvent	1/AgBF₄/VNBE Molar ratio	[VNBE] (M)	t (h)	Yield (%)	M_n × 10⁻³ ^f	M_w/M_n ^f
1	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^a	0.8	22	10	-	-
2	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^b	2.7	22	20	-	-
3	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^c	4.9	22	17	-	-
4	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/1000 ^d	2.3	26	Traces	-	-
5	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/2000 ^e	4.9	7	87	8.0	1.27
6	-	1/4/2000 ^e	-	23	39	16.7	1.16

^a Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄: (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), VNBE (1.2 mL, 1.0 g, 8.5 mmol), 10 mL CH₂Cl₂; ^b Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄: (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), VNBE (1.2 mL, 1.0 g, 8.5 mmol), 2 mL CH₂Cl₂; ^c Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄: (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), VNBE (1.2 mL, 1.0 g, 8.5 mmol), 0.5 mL CH₂Cl₂; ^d Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄: (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), VNBE (2.4 mL, 2.0 g, 17 mmol), 2 mL CH₂Cl₂; ^e Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄: (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), VNBE (4.9 mL, 4.1 g, 34.0 mmol), 2 mL CH₂Cl₂ or bulk; ^f By SEC in THF at 40 °C vs. polystyrene standards.

Table 5. Polymerization of norbornadiene (NBD) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.

**Table 5.** Polymerization of norbornadiene (NBD) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.
Entry	Solvent	1/AgBF₄/NBD Molar ratio	[NBD] (M)	t (h)	Yield (%)
1	CH₂Cl₂	1/2/500 ^a	1.7	0.75	72
2	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^b	1.7	1.5	92
3	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^c	3.4	21	98
4	CH₂Cl₂	1/8/500 ^d	1.7	4.5	95
5	THF	1/4/500 ^b	1.7	22	- ^h
6	THF	1/4/500 ^c	3.4	22	42
7	Toluene	1/4/500 ^b	1.7	23	traces
8	Toluene	1/4/1000 ^e	3.4	23	traces
9	Toluene	1/-/1000 ^g	3.4	4.5	80
10	Toluene	1/-/1000 ^f	3.4	4.5	traces
11	-	1/4/500 ^b	-	22	traces
12	-	1/4/1000 ^e	-	3	traces
13	-	1/-/1000 ^g	-	22	traces

^a Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (6.7 mg, 0.035 mmol), NBD (0.8 mL, 725.0 mg, 8.5 mmol)/5 mL solvent; ^b Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.3 mg, 0.069 mmol), NBD (0.8 mL, 725.0 mg, 8.5 mmol), 5 mL solvent or bulk; ^c Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.3 mg, 0.069 mmol), NBD (0.8 mL, 725.0 mg, 8.5 mmol), 2.5 mL solvent; ^d Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (26.6 mg, 0.138 mmol), NBD (0.8 mL, 725.0 mg, 8.5 mmol), 5 mL solvent; ^e Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.3 mg, 0.069 mmol), NBD (1.6 mL, 1.4 g, 17 mmol), 2.5 mL solvent or bulk; ^f Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), NBD (1.6 mL, 1.4 g, 17 mmol), 2.5 mL solvent; ^g Conditions: 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), NBD (1.6 mL, 1.4 g, 17 mmol), 2.5 mL solvent or bulk, reflux; ^h No polymer was isolated.

Table 6. Polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.

**Table 6.** Polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.
Entry	Solvent	1/AgBF₄/DCPD Molar ratio	[DCPD] (M)	t (h)	Yield (%)
1	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/250 ^a	0.8	16	95
2	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/500 ^b	1.4	4	43
3	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/750 ^c	1.4	22	66
4	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/750 ^d	2.0	4	9
5	CH₂Cl₂	1/4/1000 ^e	2.6	22	15
6	Toluene	1/4/250 ^a	0.8	22	Traces
7	Toluene	1/4/500 ^b	1.4	22	53
8	Toluene	1/4/750 ^d	2.0	22	52
9	Toluene	1/4/1000 ^e	2.6	22	30
10	-	1/4/250 ^a	-	22	37
11	-	1/4/500 ^b	-	22	10
12	-	1/4/750 ^d	-	21	17
13	-	1/4/1000 ^e	-	21	47
14	Toluene	1/-/750 ^f	2.1	24	10
15	Toluene	1/-/1250 ^f	3.0	24	10

^a Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), DCPD (0.6 mL, 552.0 mg, 4.2 mmol)/5.0 mL solvent or bulk; ^b Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), DCPD (1.2 mL, 1.1 g, 8.5 mmol)/5.0 mL solvent or bulk; ^c Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), DCPD (1.8 mL, 1.7 g, 12.9 mmol)/7.4 mL CH₂Cl₂; ^d Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), DCPD (1.8 mL, 1.7 g, 12.9 mmol)/5.0 mL solvent or bulk; ^e Conditions: 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol), DCPD (2.4 mL, 2.2 g, 17.0 mmol)/5.0 mL solvent or bulk; ^f The reaction kept under reflux/Ar.

Scheme 3. Metathesis polymerization of PA and ROMP of NBE, VNBE, NBD and DCPD.

Polymerization of PA by 1/AgBF₄ was studied in toluene, CH₃CN, CH₂Cl₂, and THF (Table 2). 1/AgBF₄ was inactive in toluene and CH₃CN (entries 11 and 12). Toluene is a very poor solvent for both 1 and AgBF₄. CH₃CN is a strongly coordinating solvent and most likely prevented coordination of substrate to the bimetallic core. In CH₂Cl₂ (entries 1–3) similar results were obtained under all reaction conditions. The color of the reaction mixture gradually changed from green to the characteristic deep red color of polyphenylacetylene (PPA), but very low molecular weight polymers were isolated in low yields. Polymerization proceeded smoothly in THF when two equivalents of AgBF₄ were added, providing PPA in high yield after 24 h (entries 4–6). When the AgBF₄/1 molar ratio was raised to 3/1, the polymerization proceeded faster and maximum yield was obtained after 6 h (entry 8). The molecular weight of PPA was higher than that of PPA obtained in CH₂Cl₂, whereas the molecular weight distribution was not much altered. At longer reaction times (entries 9 and 10), lower yields, lower molecular weights, and broader molecular weight distributions were observed. That could be attributed to depolymerization of PPA due to secondary metathesis and uncontrolled chain-transfer reactions, as was also observed with the catalytic system Na[W₂(μ-Cl)₃Cl₄(THF)₂]·(THF)₃ (2) [18]. Interestingly, the stereochemistry of polymers obtained changed from all-trans in CH₂Cl₂ to high-cis (77%–87%) in THF (Figure S7). Tuning the stereoselectivity of a catalytic system simply by changing the solvent is not frequently encountered. 2 exhibited similar behavior and provided mixtures of cis and trans PPA in CH₂Cl₂ and high-cis (90%) polymers in THF [18]. The molecular weights of PPA formed by both catalytic systems in THF were very similar, but the molecular weight distribution of PPA obtained in this this study was narrower. In CH₂Cl₂ the two catalytic systems differ significantly; as with 1, reaction rate and molecular weights obtained were significantly lower.

ROMP of NBE was studied in CH₃CN, THF and CH₂Cl₂ (Table 3). The reaction did not proceed in THF and CH₃CN (entries 7 and 8). That could be attributed to: (a) the low solubility of 1; and (b) the high coordinating ability of those solvents. In CH₂Cl₂ maximum yield was obtained for molar ratio 1/AgBF₄/NBE equal to 1/4/500 (entries 5 and 6) with the reaction being faster at higher NBE concentrations (entry 6). The reaction was complete within minutes and provided polynorbornene (PNBE) that was insoluble in common organic solvents, probably because of very high molecular weight. In more dilute solutions and with various AgBF₄/1 molar ratios, polymerization was slower and yields were low to moderate (entries 1–4). The configuration of soluble polymers was determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy (Figure S8) [19]. The fraction of cis double bonds (σ_c = 0.62) was estimated by integration of the signals at δ_H 2.79 (HC^1,4 cis-PNBE) and 2.43 ppm (HC^1,4 trans-PNBE). By comparison to 2 [19] or 2/PA [20], the present catalytic system was less stereoselective, but provided quantitatively very high molecular weight polymers.

VNBE polymerization was studied only in CH₂Cl₂ (Table 4), because in that solvent the solubility of 1 was high and the polymerization of NBE was more efficient. The reaction rendered almost quantitative within a few hours (entry 5), when high molar ratio of VNBE/1 and high [VNBE] were employed, but the molecular weight of poly(5-vinyl-2-norbornene) (PVNBE) obtained was low. At lower concentrations yields remained low, even after long reaction times (entries 1–4). In bulk, PVNBE with low molecular weight and very narrow molecular weight distribution was obtained in moderate yield (entry 6). The ¹H NMR spectrum of PVNBE (Figure S9) could not provide information about the configuration of the polymer, because signals of olefinic protons of the polymeric chain overlap with the vinylic ones, but indicated that the ring-strained C=C bond was cleaved, while the vinylic one was left intact and available for functionalization [23]. The same reactivity was observed with 2 [19] and 2/PA [20] and is rather unusual. The pendant vinyl group is usually involved in metathesis reactions, leading to cross-linked products; therefore, that monomer is used for the synthesis of self-healing polymers [24]. Other than that, the reactivity of the catalytic systems was different, as very high (974,000) and high (97,000) molecular weight polymers were obtained with 2 and 2/PA, respectively, although with much broader molecular weight distributions (2.6).

CH₂Cl₂ was found to be the optimum solvent for the ROMP of NBD (Table 5) as well. The reaction provided high yield of polynorbornadiene (PNBD) with molar ratio 1/AgBF₄ equal to 1/2 (entry 1) and was quantitative, or almost quantitative, when molar ratios 1/AgBF₄ equal to 1/4 or higher were employed (entries 2–4), but the rate was maximum when NBD concentration was equal to 1.7 M (entry 2), i.e., under conditions identical to the polymerization of NBE. In THF, no reaction took place under the same conditions (entry 5), and when NBD concentration was higher (3.4 M), moderate yields were obtained (entry 6). In toluene, traces of polymer were obtained even after 23 h (entries 7 and 8). Interestingly, with 1/NBD molar ratio equal to 1/1000, without adding AgBF₄, and under reflux, PNBD was obtained in high yield (80%; entry 9). Under similar conditions, but at room temperature, the reaction provided traces of PNBD (entry 10). Such reactivity resembles that of latent catalysts [25]. In bulk, traces of polymers were obtained in the presence or absence of AgBF₄, and even under reflux (entries 11–13). Molecular weights of polymers obtained could not be determined with size exclusion chromatography (SEC), because the polymers were insoluble. Differential thermogravimetry showed a bimodal decomposition peak at high temperatures (452 and 462 °C, respectively), indicating a high degree of crosslinking and a complex mechanism of thermal decomposition.

DCPD polymerization was studied in CH₂Cl₂, toluene, and in bulk (Table 6). Quantitative yield was obtained in CH₂Cl₂, with molar ratio 1/DCPD equal to 1/250 (entry 1). When molar ratio and DCPD concentration were increased, yields were lowered (entries 2–5) and reaction times increased (entries 3 and 5). In toluene, after 22 h, yields were at best moderate. For molar ratios 1/DCPD 1/500 and 1/750 (entries 7 and 8), polymer in almost 50% yield was obtained, while increasing or decreasing the ratio gave lower yields (entries 6 and 9). In contrast, polymers in 40%–50% yield were obtained in bulk, with ratios 1/DCPD 1/250 and 1/1000 (entries 10 and 13). With molar ratios 1/DCPD 1/500 and 1/750 the yields were much lower (entries 11 and 12). Two reactions in the absence of co-catalyst and with heating were made under conditions similar to those in the polymerization of NBD, but the yields were very low in both cases, despite the long reaction time (entries 14 and 15). Molecular weights of polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) obtained could not be determined with SEC, because polymers were insoluble. Differential thermogravimetry showed a bimodal decomposition peak at high temperatures (462 and 470 °C respectively), indicating high degree of crosslinking and a complex mechanism of thermal decomposition, as in the case of PNBD polymers.

Regarding the ROMP of NBD, catalytic system 1/AgBF₄ was almost equally reactive to 2, which also provided quantitative yields within short reaction times [19,20]. In addition, it showed similar reactivity with 2/PA towards the ROMP of DCPD [20], which seems to be the least reactive of the monomers studied, as long reaction times were required with either system.

Polymer characterization for insoluble polymers PNBD and PDCPD was done using ¹³C CPMAS spectroscopy (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Peaks at 133 (PNBD) and 129 (PDCPD) ppm are due to olefinic carbons, and peaks in the regions 30–53 (PNBD) and 26–60 ppm (PDCPD) are due to aliphatic carbons. Scheme 3 shows all possible products of NBD and PDCPD polymerization via ROMP. Polymers obtained may be linear or cross-linked. Cross-linked polymers are formed by reactions taking place on the double bond of the cyclopentene ring. Those can be either metathetic or olefin coupling reactions and have been well-studied for PDCPD [26]. The ratio of olefinic/aliphatic carbons depends on the mechanism of cross-linking and is equal to 4/3 (metathetic) and 2/5 (olefin coupling) for PNBD and 2/3 (metathetic) and 1/4 (olefin coupling) for PDCPD. Therefore, the olefin coupling contribution can be calculated by integration of the corresponding ¹³C CPMAS peaks, and by using the following equations for PNBD (Equation (1)) and PDCPD (Equation (2)) [27]. In those equations C_olefinic refers to carbons of double bonds, C_aliphatic to carbons of single bonds, and x is the fraction of polymer double bonds that participate in cross-linking via olefin coupling. Integration of the PNBD spectrum provided a ratio of 1/0.93 and integration of the PDCPD spectrum provided a ratio of 1/1.81. By replacing the experimental values in Equations (1) and (2); x = 0.19 for PNBD and x = 0.22 for PDCPD, i.e., 19% of NBD and 22% of DCPD double bonds participated in crosslinking via olefin coupling.

(4 − 2x)/(3 + 2x) = [C_olefinic/C_aliphatic]_experimental

(1)

(2 − x)/(3 + x) = [C_olefinic/C_aliphatic]_experimental

(2)

Figure 2. ¹³C Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning (CPMAS) spectrum of PNBD obtained from the reaction of 1/AgBF₄/NBD (Table 5, entry 4) in CH₂Cl₂.

Figure 3. ¹³C CPMAS spectra of PDCPD obtained from the reaction of 1/AgBF₄/DCPD (Table 6, entry 1) in CH₂Cl₂.

3.3. Kinetic Studies

The progress of reaction of each monomer, with the exception of NBE polymerization, which was very rapid, was monitored by measuring the polymerization yield gravimetrically, and the molecular characteristics of the polymers formed (number average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution) by SEC analysis. Results for PA polymerization in THF using a molar ratio 1/AgBF₄/PA equal to 1/3/350 are displayed in Table S2 and Figure 4. It is obvious that the yield increased more or less linearly with time up to quantitative conversion in 6 h. In the same time the molecular weight increased to high values, whereas the molecular weight distribution diminished rapidly. Longer polymerization times, up to 24 h, lead to scission of the produced polymeric chains and therefore to lower yields of polymerization along with lower molecular weights and broader distributions. This behavior is similar to that observed during the polymerization of PA with the triply bonded complex 2 in THF solutions [18]. In the present study, the maximum yield and molecular weight were observed in ~6 h of polymerization, whereas in the previous study in ~2 h. Therefore, 1 polymerized PA with a lower rate, but the reaction was more controlled, leading to products of higher molecular weight and considerably smaller molecular weight distributions.

Figure 4. Polymerization of PA (653 μL, 608 mg, 6.0 mmol) with 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (9.9 mg, 0.051 mmol) and 10 mL THF (25 °C); (a) % yield vs. time plot of PPA; (b) M_n × 10⁻³ vs. time plot.

Variation of polymerization yield with time for NBD is given in Figure 5, whereas data are displayed in Table S3. Apparently, the system was characterized by an induction period, which was equal to a few minutes. This period was devoted to the complexation of the monomer to the catalyst and the initiation step of the polymerization process. After this period, the yield increased linearly with time. Nearly quantitative yields were obtained after 90 min of reaction. This result indicates that both the polymerization reaction through the opening of the first double bond and the cross-linking reaction occuring at the second double bond proceeded smoothly with time and simultaneously in the same manner leading to a controlled synthesis of cross-linked PNBD.

Figure 5. Polymerization of NBD (0.8 mL, 725.0 mg, 8.5 mmol) with 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.3 mg, 0.069 mmol) and 5 mL CH₂Cl₂ (25 °C); % yield vs. time plot of PNBD.

The kinetics of polymerization of VNBE was studied in CH₂Cl₂ solutions, as shown in Table S4 and Figure 6. As in the case of NBD polymerization, an induction period was also observed for VNBE polymerization, indicating that the same mechanism took place in both cases. Compared to NBD, the initiation, as well as the propagation reaction, proceeded in a slower manner, probably due to the increased steric hindrance of VNBE. However, the yield scaled linearly with time indicating that the polymerization reaction proceeded in a well-controlled way.

Figure 6. Polymerization of VNBE (4.9 mL, 4.1 g, 34.0 mmol) with 1 (30 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol) and 2 mL CH₂Cl₂; % yield vs. time plot of PVNBE.

The initiation reaction for DCPD was very fast, since the plot of yield vs. time passed through the origin, as shown in Figure 7 and Table S5. The polymerization rate was initially very fast without the presence of an appreciable induction period. However, upon progressing time, the rate of polymerization was substantially lowered. Compared to other monomers examined in this work, DCPD was the less reactive, probably due to the increased steric hindrance of this monomer. Retardation of the polymerization may be attributed to the increased time needed for the activation of the second double bond of the monomer leading to cross-linked products.

Figure 7. Polymerization of DCPD (0.6 mL, 552.0 mg, 4.2 mmol) with 1 (30.0 mg, 0.017 mmol), AgBF₄ (13.2 mg, 0.068 mmol) and 5.0 mL CH₂Cl₂; % yield vs. time plot of PDCPD.

4. Conclusions

The ditungsten complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆] (1) was successfully employed for the metathesis polymerization of phenylacetylene (PA) and the ROMP of norbornene (NBE) and some of its derivatives. Addition of AgBF₄ as a co-catalyst was necessary for the activation of 1 via abstraction of bromide ligands. PA polymerization proceeded smoothly in a mildly coordinating solvent like THF (but not in MeCN, which is a stronger donor) quantitatively producing PPA with high molecular weight and very narrow molecular weight distribution (1.16). The polymeric products obtained featured high cis content (>80%). On the contrary, in CH₂Cl_2, oligomers were formed, most likely due to PPA depolymerization, a trend that was previously observed for Na[W₂(μ-Cl)₃Cl₄(THF)₂]·(THF)₃ (2) [18].

NBE is significantly less reactive than PA, and as a result, ROMP of NBE did not take place in THF. In the latter case, a non-coordinating solvent, i.e., CH₂Cl₂, was used, and PNBE and derivatives were formed in high yields, when the stoichiometric ratio was properly adjusted in order to avoid gelation of reaction mixtures. In comparison to 2, which is an efficient and stereoselective catalyst (formation of polymers with high cis content was favored) for ROMP [19], 1/AgBF₄ was equally effective with respect to yields, but exhibited lower selectivity. However, 1 is less sensitive to moisture and oxygen and it can be prepared more easily.

Other notable features of 1/AgBF₄ reactivity are:

(a): Short reaction times (15 min–3 h), of all monomers except for VNBE (23 h).
(b): PVNBE contained all pendant vinyl bonds intact, had low molecular weight (M_w = 8000), but also narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n = 1.27), the lowest reported so far.
(c): Polymerization of NBD could proceed in toluene without addition of co-catalyst (reflux, less than 5 h and 80% yield). That result was important and will be further investigated, because catalytic systems in which components may coexist, but they do not react unless the system is heated, are of particular industrial interest.
(d): PNBD and PDCPD were insoluble and highly cross-linked, as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis. ¹³C CPMAS spectra revealed the operation of two mechanisms (metathetic and radical) for cross-linking, with metathesis being the major pathway (~80%). A full mechanistic study is underway.

Supplementary Materials

The following are available online at www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/7/12/1536/s1. Figure S1: Vis-UV spectrum of (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆] (1) in MeCN. Concentration of solution: 2.09 × 10⁻⁴ Μ; Figure S2: MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of 1 in DCTB (fragment [WBr₅]⁻); Figure S3: MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of 1 in DCTB (fragment [W₂Br₇]⁻); Figure S4: MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of 1 in DCTB (fragment [Ph₄PW₂Br₉]⁻); Figure S5: MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of 1 in DCTB (fragment PhP⁺); Figure S6: MALDI-TOF mass spectrum of 1 in DCTB (fragment [(Ph₄P)₃W₂Br₉]⁺); Figure S7. ¹H NMR spectrum (CDCl₃) of PPA obtained from the reaction of 1/AgBF₄/PA (Table 1, entry 6) in THF; Figure S8. ¹H NMR spectrum (CDCl₃) of PNBE obtained from the reaction of 1/AgBF₄/NBE (Table 2, entry 3) in CH₂Cl₂; Figure S9. ¹H NMR spectrum (CDCl₃) of PVNBE obtained from the reaction of 1/AgBF₄/VNBE (Table 3, entry 5) in CH₂Cl₂; Table S1: UV-Vis spectroscopic data of 1 (C = 2.09 × 10⁻⁴ M). In brackets the values from the literature of the analogous compound (ⁿPr₄N)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆]; Table S2. Polymerization of PA with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄; Table S3. Polymerization of NBD with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄; Table S4. Polymerization of VNBE with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄; Table S5. Polymerization of DCPD with the catalytic system 1/AgBF₄.

Acknowledgments

This research has been co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund—ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)—Research Funding Program: THALES. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund. MIS 377252. Gregor Mali and Thomas Mavromoustakos are greatly acknowledged for obtaining the ¹³C CPMAS spectra and for fruitful discussions.

Author Contributions

Patrina Paraskevopoulou and Konstantinos Mertis were responsible for this study and participated in its design. Despoina Chriti, Alexios Grigoropoulos, and Grigorios Raptopoulos synthesized and characterized compound 1 and the polymers. Marinos Pitsikalis characterized the polymers and analyzed the kinetic data. Georgios Charalambidis, Vasilis Nikolaou and Athanassios G. Coutsolelos performed the MALDI-TOF experiments and analyzed the data. All authors were involved in reading and approving the final manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Chriti, D.; Grigoropoulos, A.; Raptopoulos, G.; Charalambidis, G.; Nikolaou, V.; Coutsolelos, A.G.; Pitsikalis, M.; Mertis, K.; Paraskevopoulou, P. Metathesis Polymerization Reactions Induced by the Bimetallic Complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆]. Polymers 2015, 7, 2611-2624. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym7121536

AMA Style

Chriti D, Grigoropoulos A, Raptopoulos G, Charalambidis G, Nikolaou V, Coutsolelos AG, Pitsikalis M, Mertis K, Paraskevopoulou P. Metathesis Polymerization Reactions Induced by the Bimetallic Complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆]. Polymers. 2015; 7(12):2611-2624. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym7121536

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chriti, Despoina, Alexios Grigoropoulos, Grigorios Raptopoulos, Georgios Charalambidis, Vasilis Nikolaou, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Marinos Pitsikalis, Konstantinos Mertis, and Patrina Paraskevopoulou. 2015. "Metathesis Polymerization Reactions Induced by the Bimetallic Complex (Ph₄P)₂[W₂(μ-Br)₃Br₆]" Polymers 7, no. 12: 2611-2624. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym7121536

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