A modular approach to main-chain organometallic polymers.

A highly efficient route to a new class of organometallic polymers containing difunctional N-heterocyclic carbenes has been developed. Bis(imidazolium) halides and divalent group X metals were copolymerized to afford organometallic polymers in up to quantitative yields and with molecular weights up to 10(6) Da, depending on the structure of the N-heterocyclic carbene and the incorporated transition metal. Enhanced solubilities were demonstrated through post-polymerization ligation with phosphines. Finally, selective end-group functionalization and excellent molecular weight control was achieved through the inclusion of monofunctional chain transfer agents during the polymerization.