A Bimetallic Ruthenium Complex as a Catalyst Precursor for the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Methacrylates at Ambient Temperature

Abstract

Abstract The bimetallic ruthenium complex [(1,3,5‐ i ‐Pr 3 C 6 H 3 )Ru(μ‐Cl) 3 RuCl(C 2 H 4 )(PCy 3 )] has been synthesized by reaction of [(1,3,5‐ i ‐Pr 3 C 6 H 3 )RuCl 2 )] 2 with one equivalent of PCy 3 in the presence of ethylene. It can be used as a catalyst precursor for the controlled atom transfer radical polymerization of methacrylates at 35 °C. The resulting polymers show low polydispersities.