With funding from the Organic Dynamics Program Professor Novak of the University of Massachusetts will design, prepare, and study the use of organometallic catalysts for the "living" polymerization of isocyanides and other unsaturated monomers. The reactivity and applicability of new Ni(I), Ni(II), Ni(III), and Pd(II) catalysts will be exploited in order to synthesize novel di- and tri-block copolymers for application as thermoplastic elastomers. The premise to be tested is that the reactivity of polymer endgroups can be altered in predictable fashion to produce unique substances. This research will use new catalysts to prepare new carbon containing polymers that incorporate other elements into the polymer skeleton. New thermoplastic polymers will be prepared whose properties may prove superior in the manufacture of vehicles, consumer products such as furniture, and novel materials to be used in areas of advanced technology.
