Synthesis and ROMP of metal nanocluster containing norbornene derivatives

We report the synthesis of a series of highly functional metal chelated silyl- and tert-butyl-protected 2,3-diaminomethyl norbornene derivatives. Subsequent alterations to the previously synthesized norbornene adducts afford many other derivatives containing such functionalities as alkyl, cyano, esters, and ethers. These derivatives are then subjected to ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) employing a ruthenium homogeneous catalyst to afford phase separated block polymers. The block polymers formed serve as unique templates for the formation of size controlled metal nanoclusters having a narrow dispersion. These metal nanoclusters containing diblock polymers are evaluated as unique electrical and optical materials.