Olefin metathesis reaction can be considered as one of the most
successful organic reactions with many applications in the low molecular
weight range and also in the polymer field. The use of catalysts with
their selective and effective transformation properties in olefin
metathesis I polymerization systems is a growing interest. There has
been great effort and competition in developing active and commercially
useful catalysts. The main aim of this ASI was to gather several
research groups and also the people from industry. to present existing
knowledge and latest results in the field. A wide range of topics
through homogeneous and heterogeneous aspects have been considered.
Attention has been drawn to the metal-carbene and metallacyclobutane
complexes as active species, the initiation mechanisms, the
stereochemistry and thermodynamics of these reactions. New catalytic
systems for the metathesis of alkenes and alkynes and fot' ring opening
polymeriZation I block copolymerization reactions have been introduced.
Spectroscopic studies for the characteriZation of catalysts, simulation
studies explaining the function of chain carrier species and polymer
degradation have also been covered. A detailed industrial report
concerning the patents and applications in olefin metathesis I
cyc1001efin polymerization area, fabrication and derivation has been
presented. This volume contains the main lectures and seminars given at
the NATO Advanced Study Institute on " Olefin Metathesis and
Polymerization Catalysts: Synthesis, Mechanism and Utilization", held at
Akcay. Babkesir. Turkey between 10th and 22nd September 1989.