Olefin metathesis polymerization

Definition

Olefin metathesis polymerization is a chemical reaction that transforms olefins, which are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing carbon-carbon double bonds, into polymers through the exchange of alkylene groups. This process relies on catalysts to break and reform the double bonds in a way that creates long polymer chains.

Related terms

Catalyst:

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Polymer:

A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits known as monomers, linked together by covalent bonds.

Unsaturated Hydrocarbon: An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon that contains at least one carbon-carbon double or triple bond