Although, carbon is only one of one hundred plus elements, the polymer science lit erature consists primarily of studies on carbon based polymers. In part, this reflects the varied feedstock sources and in part, the type of bonds and bond forming reactions avail able to form organic polymers that are not available to the inorganic and organometallic chemist. However, recent intense interest in polymers with novel optical, electronic or magnetic properties or polymers that can serve as precursors to ceramic, semiconductor, metallic or superconductor materials has served as a driver for the development of novel synthetic routes and characterization techniques that have launched many new inorganic and organometallic oligomers and polymer systems. The following chapters represent an effort to provide an overview of several new and continuing areas of development in inorganic and organometallic polymer science. This book represents the second in a series of books we have edited on inorganic and organometallic polymer chemistry (1. Transformation of Organo-metallics into Common and Exotic Materials, NATO ASI Series Vol 141. 3. Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers with Special Properties, NATO ASI Series in press). In this series, we attempt to develop, for the reader, an understanding of the breadth, depth and potential of inorganic and organometallic polymer science.

This important work is based on the editors’ symposium at the 2005 ACS meeting in Washington, DC. The contents include an emphasis on main-group polymers, including boron. The chapters are not simply journal articles, but have real added value as the editors have reviewed the general area by placing the work into a larger perspective. This book will be required reading for scientists in a number of disciplines including chemical engineers and physics researchers.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Cap d'Agde, France, September 9-14, 1990

Inorganic and organometallic polymers feature many attractive properties that are useful for the design of diverse functional materials. Emphasising concepts that inform polymer design, synthesis and applications, readers of this book will gain a complete understanding of the introduction to inorganic and organometallic polymer science that will further their studies in materials science, chemistry and engineering. The first chapter lays down the core concepts that the book builds from, including polymerisation and naming conventions. It also reveals why some organometallic polymers are better suited than organic polymers in certain applications. Subsequent chapters discuss the chemistry of metals in particular the transition metals as they relate to polymer properties, before walking the reader through in-depth chapters on synthesis, structure, properties, characterization, and examples of inorganic and organometallic polymers. The final chapter presents applications of these polymers in diverse fields ranging from biomedicine, energy to catalysis. Worked examples and exercises are provided at the end of each chapter to assist students in assessing their understanding of these concepts, and journal references are included to direct students to published literature related to inorganic and organometallic polymers. Ideal for lecturers teaching a one semester advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in polymer science, as well as for self-study researchers and industrial chemists that are working with polymers, this book provides the user with a complete and expert grounding to the field.

For the first time the discipline of modern inorganic chemistry has been systematized according to a plan constructed by a council of editorial advisors and consultants, among them three Nobel laureates (E.O. Fischer, H. Taube and G. Wilkinson). Rather than producing a collection of unrelated review articles, the series creates a framework which reflects the creative potential of this scientific discipline. Thus, it stimulates future development by identifying areas which are fruitful for further research. The work is indexed in a unique way by a structured system which maximizes its usefulness to the reader. It augments the organization of the work by providing additional routes of access for specific compounds, reactions and other topics.

Research on metal-containing polymers began in the early 1960's when several workers found that vinyl ferrocene and other vinylic transition metal TI -complexes would undergo polymerization under the same conditions as conventional organic monomers to form high polymers which incorporated a potentially reactive metal as an integral part of the polymer structures. Some of these materials could act as semi conductors and possessed one or two dimensional conductivity. Thus applications in electronics could be visualized immediately. Other workers found that reactions used to make simple metal chelates could be used to prepare polymers if the ligands were designed properly. As interest in homogeneous catalysts developed in the late 60's and early 70's, several investigators began binding homogeneous catalysts onto polymers, where the advantage of homogeneous catalysis - known reaction mechanisms and the advantage of heterogeneous catalysis - simplicity and ease of recovery of catalysts could both be obtained. Indeed the polymer matrix itself often enhanced the selectivity of the catalyst. The first symposium on Organometallic Polymers, held at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in September 1977, attracted a large number of scientists interested in this field, both established investigators and newcomers. Subsequent symposia in 1977, 1979, 1983, and 1987 have seen the field mature. Hundreds of papers and patents have been published.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the rapidly developing field of cluster science. In an interdisciplinary approach, basic concepts as well as recent developments in research and practical applications are authoritatively discussed by leading authors. Topics covered include 'naked' metal clusters, clusters stabilized by ligands, clusters in solids, and colloids. The reader will find answers to questions like: * How many metal atoms must a particle have to exhibit metallic properties? * How can the large specific surface of clusters and colloids be employed in catalysts? * How can metal clusters be introduced into solid hosts? * Which effects are responsible for the transition from isolated to condensed clusters? The editor has succeeded in bringing the contributions of various authors together into a homogeneous, readable book, which will be useful for the academic and industrial reader alike.