This patent document provides a caged catalyst comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a cage compound of Formula I represented [Zr.sup.IV.sub.6O.sub.4(OI).sub.4(linker).sub.6]). The catalysts demonstrated excellent activities and size selectivity in a model RCM reaction, suggesting successful encapsulation into MOFs. ROMP of cyclopentene mediated by G3@UiO-67 achieved significantly higher molecular weight and lower dispersity than the counterpart mediated by the free catalyst. The ultra-high molecular weight polymers generated by the encapsulated catalysts demonstrated significantly improved mechanical and adhesive properties compared to the low molecular weight counterparts and commercial polymers. The simplicity and generality make this method readily applicable to the ROMP of a wide range of low-strain cyclic olefins.

This patent document provides a caged catalyst comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a cage compound of Formula I represented [Zr.sup.IV.sub.6O.sub.4(OI).sub.4(linker).sub.6]). The catalysts demonstrated excellent activities and size selectivity in a model RCM reaction, suggesting successful encapsulation into MOFs. ROMP of cyclopentene mediated by G3@UiO-67 achieved significantly higher molecular weight and lower dispersity than the counterpart mediated by the free catalyst. The ultra-high molecular weight polymers generated by the encapsulated catalysts demonstrated significantly improved mechanical and adhesive properties compared to the low molecular weight counterparts and commercial polymers. The simplicity and generality make this method readily applicable to the ROMP of a wide range of low-strain cyclic olefins.