| abstract |
The invention concerns a process for the photocatalytic polymerization of a cyclical olefin or of at least two different cyclical olefins in the presence of a metal compound as catalyst. Photochemical ring-opening metathesis polymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of at least one heat-stable titanium(IV), niobium(V), tantalum(V), molybdenum(VI) or tungsten(VI) compound in which a silylmethyl group and at least one halogen are bonded to the metal. The process can also be carried out such that irradiation is firstly performed, followed by polymerization by heating. The process is used, for example, for producing thermoplastics shaping compounds, coatings and images in relief. |