Synthesis and properties of a new polymer with a cubane-containing backbone. Synthesis and metathesis polymerization and copolymerization of 1,4-bis(homoallyl)cubane

The synthesis of an unsaturated polymer containing cubane moieties in the backbone has been achieved by acyclic diene metathesis polymerization of 1,4-bis(homoallyl)cubane. The molecular weight as determined by H-1 NMR (6-7 C14H16 repeat units) is M(n) = 1100-1300. Copolymerization of 1,4-bis(homoallyl)cubane with 1,5-hexadiene gave a polymer fraction containing an average of 9 C14H16/6 butenylene repeat units. The copolymer is soluble in THF.