The work described in this thesis was concerned with the synthesis and attempted Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerisations (ROMP) of a series of monocyclic phospholenes and organophosphorus derivatives of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptene using a variety of catalysts and conditions. This thesis comprises five chapters. The first chapter deals with the background of fire retardancy, industrial water treatment and ROMP. Chapter two describes the synthesis and characterisation of some potential organophosphorus monomers. Chapter three gives details of the attempted ROMP of the potential monomers prepared in chapter two. Investigations into the possible preparation of oligomers using a variety of chain transfer agents are described in chapter four. The conclusions and proposals for future work are outlined in the final chapter
