Homogeneous Ziegler-Natta polymerization of functionalized monomers catalyzed by cationic Group IV metallocenes

Ziegler-Natta catalysts are remarkable in their ability to polymerize {alpha}-olefins to high molecular weight, stereoregular polyolefins. One of the major limitations of conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts is their intolerance to Lewis bases; catalysts based on titanium halides and alkylaluminum cocatalysts are poisoned by most types of monomers containing ethers, esters, amines, and carboxylic acids. The absence of functionality in hydrocarbon polymers seriously affects their adhesive properties, affinity for dyes, permeability, and compatibility with more polar polymers. Previous attempts to polymerize sterically hindered amines, esters and amides, alkyl halides, and carboxylic acids using catalysts derived from TiCl{sub 3} and AlR{sub 3-n}Cl{sub n} have achieved limited success due to the severe loss of catalytic activity in the presence of these monomers. This work reports that cationic, group four metallocenes are active catalysts for the homo-polymerization of {alpha}-olefins containing silyl-protected alcohols and tertiary amines. Employing different monomers and conditions, a table shows the starting monomer, reaction time and temperature, and spectroscopic analysis of the end products. A major advanatage of these metallocene-based catalysts is that the ligand system can be modified to proved the optimal combination of catalystic activity, stereospecificity, and tolerance to functionality. 32 refs., 1 tab.