Chemistry International (original) (raw)

Chemistry International
Vol. 23, No.3
May 2001

New Book

Catalytic Polymerization of Cycloolefins. Ionic, Ziegler-Natta, and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

A new book by V. Dragutan (Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, 202B Spl. Independentei, 71141 Bucharest, Romania) and R. Streck (Hüls AG, Marl, Germany; retired), published in the Series on Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 131, by Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Hardcover, 2000, 1292 pages. ISBN 0-444-89519-1, NLG 775.00, USD 406.00.

This book covers the most important topics concerning cationic Ziegler-Natta and ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cycloolefins. The work describes the major pathways that cycloolefins can follow under the action of specific catalytic systems–essentially vinyl and ring-opening polymerization, both reaction types allowing the manufacture of distinct products with wide applicability in modern technologies. Comprehensive data available on this subject are logically and systematically selected and reviewed throughout 18 chapters, according to the basic catalytic processes involved, types of monomers and catalysts employed, reaction conditions, and application fields. Modern trends in design of chiral metallocene catalysts, well-defined living metathesis catalysts, and catalysts tolerant toward functionalities and water systems are highlighted.

Dragutan and Streck discuss in detail relevant aspects of the processes outlined above, including reaction thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanisms, and stereochemistry, and they correlate the structure of manufactured polymers with their chemical and physical- mechanical properties. Related important topics include Ziegler-Natta polymerization of olefins and dienes, atom transfer radical polymerization of vinyl compounds, metathesis of olefins and acetylenes, acyclic diene metathesis reactions, carbonyl olefination reactions, metathesis polymerization of acetylenes, metathesis degradation of polymers, and ring-opening polymerization of heterocycles. Special emphasis is placed on manufacture of commercial products, new polymers and copolymers of potential interest for industry, and design and synthesis of specialty polymers with particular structures, architectures, and desired properties.

The book critically evaluates the most recent achievements reported in the field and outlines modern trends in research and application of catalytic processes for cycloolefin polymerization. For the first time, comprehensive information about the published data on the subject up to now is provided for both academic and industrial researchers working in the areas of polymer chemistry, organic and organometallic chemistry, surface science and catalysis, petrochemistry, and chemical engineering. The content of this volume will also be of interest to other scientists and advanced students and industrialists working in chemistry, as well as in areas such as computer technology, telecommunications, microelectronics, fine mechanics, optics, medicine, construction, transportation, and agriculture.

This stimulating book offers an enlightening introduction and quick documentation on the subject, as well as a solid, in-depth background in the field. Moreover, the volume contains a wealth of useful information for specialists applying polymers in various scientific and industrial areas, such as computer technology, telecommunications, microelectronics, fine mechanics, optics, medicine, construction, transportation, sports, and agriculture.

> this book on the Elsevier site