Catalyst compositions based on Ruthenium- or Osmium-based complex catalysts and specific co-catalysts are provided for selectively hydrogenating nitrile rubbers in the presence of such catalyst compositions.

The present invention relates to novel Ruthenium-based complex compounds which represent viable catalysts, in particular for all sorts of metathesis reactions. Such complex compounds can be prepared by a novel, very favorable and cost efficient method which includes the introduction of an alkylidene ligand into the complex by using vinyl sulfides or vinyl ethers.

This invention relates to a method for producing functionalized telechelic oligomers, comprising two steps. The first step relates to bringing a raw material comprising at least one high-molecular-weight polymer comprising at least two unsaturations, into contact with a solution comprising at least one metathesis catalyst and at least one functionalizing agent. The second step relates to the separation of the functionalized telechelic oligomers produced by the metathesis reaction in ionic liquid medium of the first step.

Provided are new functionalized nitrile rubbers, which may optionally also be in partially or wholly hydrogenated form, and also a process for preparing them by metathesis of nitrile rubbers in the presence of a metathesis catalyst and at least one functionalized allyl compound. The new functionalized nitrile rubbers are suitable for producing vulcanizable mixtures and allow the production of vulcanizates having very stable networks. Also made possible, in particular, is the synthesis of block copolymers.

A nitrile group-containing copolymer rubber which has a hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, or carbon-carbon double bond at an end carbon atom or on a carbon atom which bonds with the end carbon atom is provided. The nitrile group-containing copolymer rubber is preferably obtained by a metathesis reaction. A nitrile group-containing copolymer rubber which is excellent in cross-linkability can be provided.

A process of degrading nitrile rubbers comprises subjecting them to a metathesis reaction in the presence of specific catalysts with increased activity.

This invention relates to a method for producing functionalised telechelic oligomers, comprising two steps. The first step relates to bringing a raw material comprising at least one high-molecular-weight polymer comprising at least two unsaturations, into contact with a solution comprising at least one metathesis catalyst and at least one functionalising agent. The second step relates to the separation of the functionalised telechelic oligomers produced by the metathesis reaction in ionic liquid medium of the first step.