Nanoparticles by ROMP in Nonaqueous Emulsions

The use of nonaqueous emulsions to synthesize particles by ROMP is described. The applied emulsions – consisting of two immiscible, organic, aprotic solvents – are versatile reaction systems for the preparation of polymer particles from moisture sensitive monomers and catalysts. Whereas up to now only polycondensations or polyadditions have been utilized in nonaqueous emulsions, catalytic polymerizations are now presented. Four different functionalized norbornene derivatives were applied for ROMP by a second‐generation Grubbs catalyst to form polymer nanoparticles. Furthermore, core/shell and surface functionalized nanoparticles applicable to “click” reactions were prepared to demonstrate the use of different polymerization procedures in one pot. Nonaqueous emulsions are used in order to synthesize nanoparticles by catalytic polymerization. Four different functionalized norbornene derivatives are applied in these novel emulsions – consisting of two immiscible, organic, aprotic solvents – for ring‐opening metathesis polymerization. Furthermore, core/shell particles are prepared to demonstrate the use of different polymerization procedures and emulsion mechanisms in one pot.