Copolymerization of ethylene and polar monomers can present difficulties in transition metal catalysis as the latter will form a chelate with the metal and inhibit further polymerization. Methods to overcome these interactions have been studied, but they suffer from low polar monomer incorporation and catalyst turnover. Given the heavy usage of polymers in industries across the globe, developing novel methods to produce polymers with unique properties is of particular interest. As such, we aim to resolve this metal/polar monomer incompatibility. This is done with the introduction of a second catalyst - a photocatalyst. Specifically, we investigated the combination of a photocatalyst and a polymerization catalyst to break up detrimental polar monomer chelates. Two goals are accomplished in the process: incorporation of polar monomer in the growing chain and improved catalytic reactivity. Several photocatalyst/polymerization catalyst combinations are examined, and the influence of the photocatalyst on polymerization is gauged by the molecular weight of the polymer, the amount of polar monomer incorporation, and deviation from the properties of those polymers made strictly from one monomer.

Olefin/polar monomer copolymerization with photocatalysis

ACS Spring 2022

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