The synthesis and X-ray structure of a phenoxyimine catalyst tailored for living olefin polymerisation and the synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and atactic polypropylene

A phenoxyimine catalyst (bis-(N-(3′,5′-diiodo-salicylidene)-2,6-difluoroaniline)-titanium(IV)-dichloride has been synthesised. The ligand as well as the complex have been fully characterised. An X-ray structure of the titanium complex was obtained. After activation with MAO, it was used as highly active catalyst in living olefin polymerisation of ethylene and propylene. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and atactic polypropylene of low polydispersity were obtained. The living character of the polymerisation was shown by online polymerisation kinetics and linear growth of number-average molar mass with polymerisation time. In addition, the influence of hydrogen as a chain transfer agent was studied in living olefin polymerisation.

The living polymerisation behaviour of the catalyst was proven by online monitoring of polymerisation kinetics and SEC analyses.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide