Ionic liquids in transition metal-catalyzed oligomerization/polymerization

Abstract

This short review presents selected examples of polymerization and oligomerization reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes in ionic liquid media. Analysis of these data to some extent supports the popular opinion that ionic liquids are not inert solvents but rather should frequently be considered co-catalysts. In particular, the application of imidazolium salts makes possible the formation of carbene complexes and consequently changes catalytic activity in many cases.