Germanium-containing polymers via acyclic diene metathesis

The synthesis of unsaturated polycarbogermanes via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization is reported. Exposure of germanadienes to well-defined olefin metathesis catalysts yields unsaturated polymers containing germanium along the backbone in a clean process. The polymers are viscous liquids with glass transition temperatures around −90°C. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests a non-volatile residue after thermal decomposition, possibly elemental germanium.