The introduction of Ni- and Pd-based coordination polymerization catalysts in the mid 1990's has drastically changed our perception of catalyst design, providing unseen routes to polymeric architectures previously unachievable using most Ti-, Zr-, or Hf-based catalysts. These catalysts frequently exhibit increased functional group tolerance, display living/controlled kinetics, and possess the ability to undergo �chain-walking� polymerization. Despite this, they are typically limited by slow polymerization rates and/or instabilities at elevated polymerization temperatures. In an effort to enhance catalyst stability and lifetime, we have designed and synthesized a simple yet bulky a-diimine ligand from commercially available starting materials. These catalysts are competent for ethylene and higher a-olefin polymerizations and exhibit enhanced thermal stabilities.

Synthesis and reactivity of a new a-diimine ligand for nickel and palladium olefin coordination polymerization

245th National Meeting (2013)

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