First example of latices synthesis via oligomerization of norbornene in aqueous emulsions, catalyzed by palladium chloride

Polymerization of norbornene using PdCl2 as catalyst is generally carried out at high temperatures in the absence of solvent. Low yields of polymer with relatively undefined molecular weights are obtained under these conditions. We describe the first example of polymerization of norbornene in water dispersion or aqueous emulsions catalyzed by PdCl2. Good yields of polymers and oligomers were obtained. Furthermore, in aqueous emulsions, novel microlatex which cannot be obtained by radical or ionic routes were synthesized, with particles sizes (≈10 nm.) generally only observed in microemulsion polymerizations.