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This study introduces a new approach to controlling olefin metathesis polymerization by incorporating latency into the monomer itself, rather than relying solely on catalyst-based latency mechanisms. The researchers demonstrate that the reversible photochemical interconversion between quadricyclane and norbornadiene can be exploited to create photoswitchable monomers that remain dormant until activated by light. This expands the conceptual framework of latent metathesis systems by adding a monomer-side control mechanism to an already well-developed catalyst-side toolbox.
Why it matters
Photoswitchable monomers could enable more precise spatiotemporal control over polymerization reactions, with potential applications in advanced manufacturing processes such as 3D printing, on-demand material fabrication, and the design of stimuli-responsive polymers.
Nature Chemistry, Published online: 08 December 2025; doi:10.1038/s41557-025-02011-7
Latent catalysis in olefin metathesis has seen great progress over the years, leading to key advances in the properties of polymers and 3D printing technologies. Now it is shown that the latency mechanism can be extended to the monomer through quadricyclane–norbornadiene interconversion, expanding the tools available to this field.