Terpolymerization of propene and ethene with carbon monoxide catalyzed by [PdCl2(dppf)] in HCOOH–H2O as a solvent [dppf = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]

The [PdCl2(dppf)] complex efficiently catalyzes the terpolymerization of propene and ethene with carbon monoxide in HCOOH–H2O as a solvent, when H2O concentration ranges between 50 and 65 molar %. The productivity, the melting temperature and the viscosity average molecular weight of the terpolymer depend on the propene concentration and on the reaction time.The NMR analysis of the polymer composition indicates the presence along the chain mainly of ethene–CO units together with a low percent of propene–CO units.A reaction mechanism is proposed and discussed.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (25 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ [PdCl2(dppf)] efficiently catalyzes the propene–ethene–CO terpolymerization. ▶ The Pd(II) precursor is activated by the combined effects of H2O and HCOOH. ▶ H2O/HCOOH, propene concentration and reaction time influence the productivity. ▶ Polymer chain is formed mainly by ethene–CO and in low percent by propene–CO units.