Abstract: The invention provides novel organometallic complexes useful as olefin metathesis catalysts. The complexes have an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a chelating carbene ligand associated with a Group 8 transition metal center. The molecular structure of the complexes can be altered so as to provide a substantial latency period. The complexes are particularly useful in catalyzing ring closing metathesis of acyclic olefins and ring opening metathesis polymerization of cyclic olefins.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture possessing corrosion resistance characteristics are described, in particular for use in the chlor-alkali and other industries. The articles are formed from a resin composition, e.g., a cyclic olefin composition, polymerized with a Group 8 olefin metathesis catalyst. In particular aspects, an electrolytic cell component, such as a cell cover for use in the electrolysis of brine, may be formed from the resin composition. Among other benefits, such articles provide improved corrosion resistance compared to articles molded from other resin compositions, such as Fiberglass reinforced polyesters and vinyl esters, and two-component dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) resins comprising molybdenum or tungsten pre-catalysts.

Abstract: A method of improving the adhesion of metathesis compositions, such as ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) compositions, to a substrate is disclosed, in which an adhesion promoter is added to a polymerizable resin composition in order to improve the adhesion of the polymerizing resin to a substrate material. The addition of the adhesion promoter has been found to provide beneficial improvements in the adhesion of metathesis, especially ROMP, compositions to substrates, particularly glass surfaces, leading to improved characteristics in ROMP materials formed therefrom. The adhesion promoter generally comprises a functionalized silane compound and a peroxide compound. A ROMP composition is further disclosed comprising a cyclic olefin, a ROMP metathesis catalyst, and the adhesion promoter. Polymer products produced via metathesis (ROMP) reactions of the invention may be utilized to provide a wide range of materials and in a variety of composite applications.

Abstract: The invention provides novel organometallic complexes useful as olefin metathesis catalysts. The complexes have an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a chelating carbene ligand associated with a Group 8 transition metal center. The molecular structure of the complexes can be altered so as to provide a substantial latency period. The complexes are particularly useful in catalyzing ring closing metathesis of acyclic olefins and ring opening metathesis polymerization of cyclic olefins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-mold coating of a cyclic olefin polymer. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for in-mold coating cyclic olefin polymers prepared by ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reactions and the manufacture of polymer articles via ROMP. Polymer products produced via the metathesis reactions of the invention may be utilized for a wide range of materials and composite applications. The invention has utility in the fields of polymer and material chemistry and manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the adhesion of resin compositions to substrate materials, pre-treating substrate materials to improve the adhesion of resin compositions to the substrate materials, and/or controlling gel formation of resin compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the adhesion of ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) compositions to substrate materials using adhesion promoters containing isocyariate groups in a resin composition. The invention also relates to methods for improving the adhesion of resin compositions to substrate materials by pre-treating substrate materials with adhesion promoters containing isocyanate groups. The invention further relates to a method of providing a gel-modified ROMP composition, in which a hydroperoxide is added to a ROMP polymerizable resin composition in order to control gel formation of the polymerizing resin.

Abstract: The invention provides novel organometallic complexes useful as olefin metathesis catalysts. The complexes have an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a chelating carbene ligand associated with a Group 8 transition metal center. The molecular structure of the complexes can be altered so as to provide a substantial latency period. The complexes are particularly useful in catalyzing ring closing metathesis of acyclic olefins and ring opening metathesis polymerization of cyclic olefins.

Abstract: The invention provides novel organometallic complexes useful as olefin metathesis catalysts. The complexes have an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a chelating carbene ligand associated with a Group 8 transition metal center. The molecular structure of the complexes can be altered so as to provide a substantial latency period. The complexes are particularly useful in catalyzing ring closing metathesis of acyclic olefins and ring opening metathesis polymerization of cyclic olefins.

Abstract: Branched polyarylene polymers are provided comprising monovalent endcappers, divalent linear units, and polyvalent branching units. The composition of the polymers is controlled by adjusting the ratio of the three types of monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising porous materials infused with polymers obtained from metathesis reactions, for example ROMP derived polymers and ADMET derived polymers. The invention further relates to cyclic olefin monomer formulations, including ruthenium or osmium carbene metathesis catalysts, useful for the infusion of porous materials. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the porous materials infused with cyclic olefin resin formulations.

Abstract: A new class of polyarylene co-polymers include repeating units comprising one or more arylene units having the general formula (--Ar--/--Y--).sub.n, where Y is a divalent group chosen from nil, --Z--, --Z--Ph--, and --Ph--Z--Ph--, where Z is a divalent group chosen from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR--, --O(CO)--, --O(CO.sub.2)--,--(CO)NH(CO)--, --NR(CO)--, phthalimide, pyromellitimide, --CO--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 --, --P(O)R--, --CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, and --CRR'--; Ph is phenylene (ortho, meta or para); and n is greater than 4. The co-polymers are useful as molding resins, and composite matrix resins, and where Ar is heteroarylene as ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided which is useful for coupling aryl halides or aryl sulfonates to produce biaryls or polyaryls. The catalyst composition is formed by mixing together in an anhydrous aprotic solvent a nickel compound or nickel complex, a phosphite ligand, and a reducing metal which can be aluminum, magnesium, or zinc or the like.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Methods for coupling aryl halides or aryl sulfonates to produce biaryls or polyaryls using novel nickel phosphite catalysts are provided.

Abstract: High-performance polymers having a rigid-rod backbone comprising a chain length of at least 25 organic monomer units joined together by covalent bonds wherein at least about 95% of the bonds are substantially parallel; and solubilizing organic groups attached to at least 1% of the monomer units. The polymers are prepared in a solvent system which is a solvent for both the monomer starting materials and the rigid-rod polymer product.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiflened polymers.

Abstract: High-performance polymers having a rigid-rod backbone comprising a chain length of at least 25 organic monomer units joined together by covalent bonds wherein at least about 95% of the bonds are substantially parallel; and solubilizing organic groups attached to at least 1% of the monomer units. The polymers are prepared in a solvent system which is a solvent for both the monomer starting materials and the rigid-rod polymer product.

Abstract: A method for preparing isomerically pure 2,5-dichlorobenzophenones in good to high yields is provided. The invention comprises Friedel-Crafts aroylation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene using an aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride and at least one Lewis acid, the latter being present in an amount of at least about 1.1 mole per mole of aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride, preferably about 1.5 moles per mole of aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride and, more preferably, from about 2 to about 2.5 moles of Lewis acid per mole of aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride. Preferably, the molar ratio of 1,4-dichlorobenzene to aroyl halide ranges from about 1.2:1 to about 8:1.