Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) derivatives of following general formula (I); their preparation and use thereof, especially as monomers in polymerization reactions, such as olefin polymerization or ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). ##STR00001##

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass compositions encompassing a latent organo-ruthenium compound and a pyridine compound along with one or more monomers which undergo ring open metathesis polymerization (ROMP) when said composition is exposed to suitable actinic radiation to form a substantially transparent film. Surprisingly, the compositions are very stable at ambient conditions to temperatures up to 80 C. for several days and undergo mass polymerization when subject only to actinic radiation. Accordingly, compositions of this invention are useful in various opto-electronic applications, including as 3D printing materials, coatings, encapsulants, fillers, leveling agents, among others.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass compositions encompassing a latent organo-ruthenium compound and a pyridine compound along with one or more monomers which undergo ring open metathesis polymerization (ROMP) when said composition is exposed to suitable actinic radiation to form a substantially transparent film. Surprisingly, the compositions are very stable at ambient conditions to temperatures up to 80 C. for several days and undergo mass polymerization when subject only to actinic radiation. Accordingly, compositions of this invention are useful in various opto-electronic applications, including as 3D printing materials, coatings, encapsulants, fillers, leveling agents, among others.

A method of reducing an aromatic ring or a cyclic, allylic ether in a compound includes preparing a reaction mixture including a compound including an aromatic moiety or a cyclic, allylic ether moiety, an alkali metal, and either ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or a combination thereof, in an ether solvent; and reacting the reaction mixture at from 20 C. to 30 C. for a time sufficient to reduce a double bond in the aromatic moiety to a single bond or to reduce the cyclic, allylic ether moiety.

A method of reducing an aromatic ring or a cyclic, allylic ether in a compound includes preparing a reaction mixture including a compound including an aromatic moiety or a cyclic, allylic ether moiety, an alkali metal, and either ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or a combination thereof, in an ether solvent; and reacting the reaction mixture at from 20 C. to 30 C. for a time sufficient to reduce a double bond in the aromatic moiety to a single bond or to reduce the cyclic, allylic ether moiety.

A method of reducing an aromatic ring or a cyclic, allylic ether in a compound includes preparing a reaction mixture including a compound including an aromatic moiety or a cyclic, allylic ether moiety, an alkali metal, and either ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or a combination thereof, in an ether solvent; and reacting the reaction mixture at from ?20? C. to 30? C. for a time sufficient to reduce a double bond in the aromatic moiety to a single bond or to reduce the cyclic, allylic ether moiety.

A method of reducing an aromatic ring or a cyclic, allylic ether in a compound includes preparing a reaction mixture including a compound including an aromatic moiety or a cyclic, allylic ether moiety, an alkali metal, and either ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or a combination thereof, in an ether solvent; and reacting the reaction mixture at from ?20? C. to 30? C. for a time sufficient to reduce a double bond in the aromatic moiety to a single bond or to reduce the cyclic, allylic ether moiety.

A method for the selective cleavage of a compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst is provided. The heterogenous catalyst may be a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine. By using this method, it is possible to increase the selectivity and/or yield (preferably both) of aromatic compounds.

A method for the selective cleavage of a compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst is provided. The heterogenous catalyst may be a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine. By using this method, it is possible to increase the selectivity and/or yield (preferably both) of aromatic compounds.

In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to new low cost initiator compositions for use with the production of well-defined telechelic PIBs (by LC.sup.+P of isobutylene). In various other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods for using these novel compositions as initiators for isobutylene (IB) and other cationically polymerizable monomers, such as styrene and its derivatives. In still other embodiments, the present invention is directed to structurally new, allyl (and chlorine) telechelic PIBs formed from these new initiator compositions and their derivatives (in particular, hydroxyl telechelic PIB and amine telechelic PIB). In yet other embodiments, the present invention is directed to structurally new polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane ureas made using telechelic PIBs formed from these new initiator compositions.