Electrochemistry of well-defined redox active block polymers prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

The preparation and electrochemistry of well-defined redox active polymers and block polymers is presented. Polymers were prepared in a living polymerization by ring-opening metathesis of norbornene derivatives using Mo alkylidene compounds as the catalyst. Redox active monomers were synthesized and used to prepare a series of polymers and block polymers. The polymers were characterized by NMR, GPC, and DSC. The solution electrochemistry was studied by cyclic voltammetry and normal pulse voltammetry. Unique redox molecules could be incorporated at the starting end or the terminating end group, or at both. Putting a redox group into the starting end group required synthesis of the appropriate Mo alkylidene compound. This unique redox group serves as an internal standard of redox equivalents. The average composition of these redox active polymers could be determined by electrochemical techniques, confirming the integrity of and the control over the polymerization process.