Monolithic systems: from separation science to heterogeneous catalysis

Recent results that have been obtained in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)‐based synthesis of monolithic supports are summarized. We have elaborated a synthetic concept that allows modifying monolithic supports in a way that they can be used both for applications in separation science, for SEC and as supports for catalytically active systems. In all cases, a tailor‐made microstructure was accessible due to the controlled character of the transition‐metal catalyzed polymerization. Taking advantage of the “living” catalytic sites, an “ in situ ” functionalization was accomplished by subsequently grafting a variety of functional monomers and catalyst precursors onto the rod. Their design and use as supports for high‐performance separation devices (e.g. for ds ‐DNA) and catalytic supports ( e.g. supported Grubbs‐type catalysts) is summarized.