trans-cyclooctene was prepared and polymerized radically. The polymerization went in moderate conversions and inherent viscosity of the polymer obtained was around 0.2 (chlorobenzene, 20℃). $T_g$ value of polymer was around 110℃.
Attempts were made to copolymerize trans-cyclooctene with various monomers. Copolymerization went well with vinyl acetate. The copolymerization with styrene, methyl methacrylate failed showing poor tendency to copolymerize. The copolymers with vinyl acetate exhibited rather low $T_g$ values, 41~72℃ depending on the copolymer ratio.
trans-cyclooctene was one of few cyclic olefins which polymerize radically and showed the polymerizability which is similar to that of vinyl acetate.