Living ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Since the discovery of olefin metathesis in the mid-1950s, there has been great interest in using this versatile reaction to synthesize macromolecular materials. More recently, living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), a variation of the olefin metathesis reaction, has emerged as a particularly powerful method for synthesizing polymers with tunable sizes, shapes, and functions. The technique has found tremendous utility in preparing materials with interesting biological, electronic, and mechanical properties. This review covers the fundamental aspects of living ROMP and briefly traces its historical development from a catalyst-design perspective. Highlights from the recent literature are used to illustrate the utility of living ROMP in the preparation of macromolecular materials with advanced structures and functions. A discussion on the current status of state-of-the-art catalysts for use in living ROMP reactions as well as opportunities for the future concludes this review.