Researchers from Princeton University's Chirik Lab have identified a "transformative" molecule known as (1,n'-divinyl)oligocyclobutane that can be "zipped up" to create a new polymer, potentially making the butadiene polymerization process more circular. "Our iron catalyst joins the double bonds on the ends of butadiene to make what we affectionately call the 'polymer of squares,'" said professor Paul Chirik.