Heterogenization of Late Transition Metal Polymerization Catalysts on MAO Modified Carriers

Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship J 1917 Heterogenization of late transition metal catalysts Peter PREISHUBER- PFLÜGL 08.05.2000 Modern catalysts for olefin polymerization have given control of the microstructure of obtained polymers. For years now, cationic group IV metallocenes have been investigated to produce polyolefins with designed properties, which are often obtained by copolymerisation of ethylene and longer I -olefins. In 1995 high activities of Ni- and Pd-based complexes with bidentate diimine ligands was reported by Brookhart et al. These complexes activated by methylaluminoxane or noncoordination borate counterious are able to produce highly branched ethene polymers without the need of comonomer. By that polyolefins with new properties are obtained. Recently a second type of late transition metal catalyst was reported. These Fe- and Co-based complexes with tridentate ligands show activities in the range of classical Ziegler-Natta catalysts in synthesis of linear polyolefins. During this project the new Ni, Pd, Fe and Co catalysts will be supported onto inorganic carriers. The activities and polymer microstructure will be compared to homogeneous polymerization. Several ways of supporting have to be tested to find the best method for these cataylsts. This project will contribute to a more detailed knowledge about the late transition metal catalysts, especially about their behavior when supported.