| abstract |
Oligomers are produced from unsaturated monomers. They contain terminal unsaturation and have a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 200. These oligomers are produced by the free radical polymerization of unsaturated monomers using as an initiator and/or chain transfer agent in the process a transition metal complex comprising a metal cation and at least one chelating agent, said transition metal complex being generally in accordance with formula (I), wherein M is a transition metal ion which can form hexa- or penta-coordinated structures and, when complexed in this manner, has two or more readily interconverted adjacent valence states, R is hydrogen or an organic group or a transition metal complex derived from formula (I) and L is a ligand for controlling the stability and electron transfer properties of the transition metal complex and consists of an electron pair donor (Lewis base) capable of coordination with the metal ion. |