Ethylene polymerization using an asymmetric dinuclear titanocene catalyst carrying a novel 3-oxa-pentamethylene bridge

The asymmetric 3-oxa-pentamethylene bridged dinuclear titanocenium complex (CpTiCl₂)₂ (η⁵-C₉H₆(CH₂CH₂ OCH₂CH₂)-η⁵-C₅H₃ CH₃) (1) has been prepared, characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and after activation with MAO tested as a homogenous catalyst for the polymerization of ethylene. The results show that the catalytic activity of 1 as well as the molecular weight of the produced polyethylene are higher than those using the alkylidene bridged asymmetric dinuclear metallocenes (CpTiCl₂)₂ (η⁵-C₉H₆(CH₂) _n-η⁵-C₅H₄), n = 3 (4), 4 (5). The molecular weight distribution of polyethylene produced with 1/MAO reaches 11.00 and the HT-GPC curve shows a bimodal distribution. The melting point of the polyethylene obtained by 1/MAO is higher than 135 °C and the ¹³C NMR spectrum of PE shows only one strong signal at 30 ppm for the methylene units indicating a highly linear and crystalline polymer.     

Hydrosilylation Synthesis of New Ferrocenylene Copolymers Containing Carbosilylene,Carbosiloxy and Cyclopentadienyliron Dicarbonyl Bridges

Bifunctional organometallic silicon precursor monomers and substrates FC(SiMe₂H)₂ (1) [FC = (η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)]; FC(SiMe₂(CH₂)_xCH=CH₂)₂ [x = 0 (2), 1 (3)], [η⁵-C₅H₄-SiMe₂(CH₂)_xCH=CH₂)]Fe(CO)₂SiMe₂(CH₂)_xCH=CH₂ x = 0 (4), 1 (5) and (η⁵-C₅H₄-SiMe₂H)Fe(CO)₂SiMe₂H (6) have been used to make a series of new iron containing polymers via hydrosilylation reactions. In addition to the vinyl- and allyl-containing substrates 2, 3, 4 and 5 the organosilicon compounds [CH₂=CHSiMe₂]₂O, 1,4-(H₂C=CH-SiMe₂)₂C₆H₄ and (HC≡CH–SiMe₂)₂O were also used as substrates for the hydrosilylation reaction. The reactions between the various SiH and CH=CH₂ and C≡C functionalities were performed in the presence of Pt(0) catalyst and resulted in regioselective (β-isomer and β-(E) isomer) products as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Molecular weights of all the polymers were determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography, which revealed oligomeric materials with narrow polydispersity. Cyclic voltammetric studies of exhibited single reversible redox processes due to the Fe(II)/Fe(III) couple when present, and irreversible oxidation for the presence of any Fp Fe atom. This article is dedicated to Professor Astruc.     

Synthesis and surface properties of new dicephalic saccharide-derived surfactants

A new group of nonionic dicephalic saccharide amides, N-dodecyl-N,N-bis[(3-d-gluconylamido)propyl]-amine, N-dodecyl-N,N-bis[(3-d-glucoheptonylamido)propyl]-amine, and N-alkyl-N,N-bis[(3-lactobionylamido)propyl]amines (alkyl: n-C₁₂H_25′ n-C₁₆H_33′, n-C₁₈H₃₇) were synthesized and characterized. Their structure and purity were confirmed by means of ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Carbon spectra were verified using a DEPT experiment. The surface and interfacial properties such as critical micelle concentration (CMC), standard free energy of micellization, ΔG _CMC, surface excess concentration, Γ_CMC, and surface area demand per molecule, A _CMC, were determined. The tertiary nitrogen atom seems to have a surprising effect on surfactnat packing at the interface.     

Synthesis of New Ferrocenylenesilylene Polymers by Direct Hydrosilylation/Polymerization of [FC–SiRH], FC?=?(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4), Using Organometallic Alkenes and Alkynes

Synthesis of new ferrocenylenesilylene polymers was effected by direct hydrosilylation/polymerization of 1,1′-methylsilyl-ferrocenophane [FC–SiMeH] (FC = (η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄) with acetylenes and organometallic olefins using a Pt⁰ catalyst. The reaction of [FC–SiMeH] with HC₂Ph, HC₂SiMe₃, CH₂=CHSiMe₂Fp, Fp = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂ and CH₂=CHCH₂SiMe₂Fp in the presence of a platinum catalyst resulted in high yields of the corresponding hydrosilylated polymers. In the case of the acetylenes only β products were obtained, both E and Z isomers, whereas for the olefins both α and β-isomers were noted. Only in the case of the more bulky allylsilicon material was any unreacted SiH functionality retained in the polymer, an effect also noted when using [FCSiPhH] as the starting ferrocenophane. Cyclic voltammetric studies on these polymers revealed metal–metal interaction with two redox processes associated with the ferrocenylene Fe center along with an irreversible oxidation at higher potential for the Fp Fe atom. Ian: A pleasure to contribute; keep up the good work-aptp, cheers, Keith.     

Synthesis of Poly(propargyl esters) with Rhodium Catalysts and Their Characterization

Summary Propargyl esters (HC≡CCH₂OC(=O)R; 1: R = n-C₅H₁₁, 2: R = CH₃, 3: R = CHBrCH₃, 4: R = C₆H₅, 5: R = C(C₆H₅)₃) were polymerized by using (nbd)Rh⁺(η⁶-Ph-B^-Ph₃) (nbd = 2,5-norbornadiene) to produce poly(1)–poly(5) with molecular weights in the range of M_n = 4,900–40,000. Poly(1), poly(3) and poly(4) were readily soluble in common organic solvents such as toluene, THF and CHCl₃, and poly(2) showed similar solubility behavior except that it was insoluble in THF. Poly(5) did not dissolve in any organic solvent. Poly(1) was yellow oil, while poly(2)–poly(5) were yellow solids. Poly(1)–poly(4) exhibited UV-vis absorptions in a range of 300–425 nm, which are attributed to the conjugation of the main chain. All the polymers were thermally stable up to 150–200 °C.     

Studies of a Supported Titanium Catalyst System Using Magnesium Dichloride–Alcohol Adduct

Magnesium dichloride reacts with aliphatic alcohols [ROH; R = n-C₂H₅, n-C₃H₇, i-C₃H₇, n-C₄H₉, i-C₄H₉, t-C₄H₉, n-C₅H₁₁, n-C₆H₁₃, C₆H₁₂(C₂H₅)] to form well-defined solid adducts. Compositional analysis of adducts indicates that the stoichiometric ratio of magnesium dichloride to alcohol depends on length of alkyl group and nature of isomeric alcohol. Magnesium dichloride-2-ethyl-l-hexanol adduct was treated with diphenyldichlorosilane in the presence of dibutylphthalate to obtain active magnesium dichloride support. The titanation process of active magnesium dichloride gives supported magnesium–titanium catalyst (Mg–Ti). The catalyst was characterized by compositional analysis and specific surface area measurements. Performance of the catalyst for polymerization of propene was evaluated with triethylaluminum (TEAL) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PES) as cocatalyst. The yield and isotacticity of the polymer is governed by polymerization parameters such as Si/A1 ratio and polymerization time.     

Effects of phenyl-based pendent groups on helical conformation of poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-propargylamides)

Five achiral N-propargylamide monomers with various phenyl-based substitutents, [HC ≡ CCH₂NHCOR, R for M1: C₆H₄CH₃; M2: C₆H₄CH₂CH₃; M3: C₆H₄(CH₂)₂CH₃; M4: C₆H₄(CH₂)₃CH₃; M5: C₆H₄C(CH₃)₃], were synthesized and polymerized with a rhodium catalyst, (nbd)Rh⁺B^-(C₆H₅)₄ (nbd = 2,5-norbornadiene). The corresponding five homopolymers were obtained in high yields of 90–95% and with moderate molecular weights (M _n ≥ 10 000). All the polymers possessed high cis contents (≥95%). Poly(1)–poly(3) exhibited UV-vis absorption peaks at approx. 350 nm, which indicates that the three polymers formed helical conformations, while no UV-vis absorption peaks could be observed in poly(4) and poly(5) in the wavelength range of 320–500 nm, demonstrating that these two polymers could not adopt helical structures under the examined conditions. To confirm the helical structures formed in poly(1)–poly(3), a chiral monomer, M6, was utilized to copolymerize with M2, which was used as the representative for M1−M3. M6 was utilized since its polymer could form stable helices under suited conditions. The resulting copolymers exhibited remarkable CD effects, however, the maximum wavelength in the copolymers varied remarkably, mainly depending on the composition of the copolymers. It is concluded that in the formation of ordered helical conformations, the substitutents of varied bulk led to different steric repulsion and varied synergic effects among the neighboring pendent groups.     

Preparation of Polymers Containing Metal–Metal Bonds along the Backbone Using Click Chemistry

The [(η⁵-C₅H₄(CH₂)₃OC(O)(CH₂)₂C≡CH)Mo(CO)₃]₂ complex (1) was synthesized and used to explore the feasibility of using the Huisgen cycloaddition reaction (a click reaction) to incorporate molecules with metal–metal bonds into polymer backbones. In a model reaction, coupling of 1 with benzyl azide was observed in 24 h using Cp*Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl as a catalyst. In contrast, the reaction of 1 with benzyl azide using a CuBr/ligand catalyst (where the ligand is either PMDETA or bipyridine), resulted in disproportionation of the Mo–Mo unit in 1. Complex 1 was also coupled with telechelic azide-terminated polystyrene oligomers. With either the CuBr/PMDETA or CuBr/bipyridine catalyst, disproportionation of the Mo–Mo bonded unit occurred before complete coupling was observed. The reaction was also slow when the Cp*Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl catalyst was used; however, no disproportionation products were observed and a high molecular weight polymer (M _n = 120,000 g/mol) was produced. The Cp*Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl catalyst was also used to couple 1 with azide-terminated poly(ethylene glycol). After 15 h, this reaction produced a polymer with M _n = 73,000 g mol⁻¹. It is concluded that, although somewhat slow, click chemistry using the Cp*Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl catalyst is an excellent method for synthesizing high molecular weight polymers with metal–metal bonds along the backbone.     

A Novel Branched–Hyperbranched Block Polyolefin Produced via Chain Shuttling Polymerization from Ethylene Alone

A novel branched-hyperbranched polyethylene was synthesized via chain walking and chain shuttling polymerization by one step. In polymerization, {2,6- ⁱ Pr₂-C₆H₃N?C(CH₃)-(CH₃)C?N- ⁱ Pr₂-C₆H₂}NiBr₂(CatA) and {2,6-Me₂-C₆H₃N?C(CH₃)-(CH₃)C?N-Me₂-C₆H₂}NiBr₂(CatB) was adopted to yield branched and hyperbranched segments via chain walking polymerization at one ethylene atm and 20°C, respectively. Then the chain transfer agent(ZnEt₂) facilitated chain transfer between two active metal centers to accomplish chain shuttling polymerization of ethylene. This strategy stands out from “living”/controlled polymerization and coupling block polymers techniques for just using ethylene as monomer, carrying out under moderate polymerization and obtaining the resultant polymer with novel microstructure.     

Preparation and properties of functionalized polyorganosiloxanes

A series of linear functionalized polyorganosiloxanes of the type Me₃SiO[MeSiO(CH₂)_nR]_x(Me₂SiO)_ySiMe₃, where n = 2, R = —(CH₂)NMe₂; n = 1, R = —(CH₂)OEt; n = 4, R = —(CH₂)COOEt; n = 3, R = —(CH₂)Me, have been prepared and characterized. Functional group loadings of ∼4 mol % (x = 1, y = 25), ∼11 mol % (x = 3, y = 23), and ∼30 mol % (x = 8, y = 18) were obtained by reacting commercially available copolymers Me₃SiO(MeSi{H} O)_x(Me₂SiO)_ySiMe₃ with the appropriate ratios of_x:_y, with the required quantities of HO(CH₂)_nR, using dichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)platinum(II) as catalyst. Amine, ether, ester, and alkyl functionalized siloxanes were obtained in good yields after purification, and each fluid polymer has been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral measurements, elemental analysis, viscosity, surface tension, and density measurements. The functionalized polymers exhibit Newtonian behavior over the range of shear rates 0.4–79.4 s⁻¹, and significant viscosity enhancements were observed for all functionalized polymers compared with poly(dimethylsiloxane) fluids of similar chain lengths. The functionalized siloxanes exhibited in almost all cases an increase in both viscosity and density as the functional group loading increased. The surface tensions of the polymers have also been determined and lie within the range 18.8–22.3 mN m⁻¹. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 808–817, 2001     

Ethylene polymerization using an asymmetric dinuclear titanocene catalyst carrying a novel 3-oxa-pentamethylene bridge

The asymmetric 3-oxa-pentamethylene bridged dinuclear titanocenium complex (CpTiCl₂)₂ (η⁵-C₉H₆(CH₂CH₂ OCH₂CH₂)-η⁵-C₅H₃ CH₃) (1) has been prepared, characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and after activation with MAO tested as a homogenous catalyst for the polymerization of ethylene. The results show that the catalytic activity of 1 as well as the molecular weight of the produced polyethylene are higher than those using the alkylidene bridged asymmetric dinuclear metallocenes (CpTiCl₂)₂ (η⁵-C₉H₆(CH₂) _n-η⁵-C₅H₄), n = 3 (4), 4 (5). The molecular weight distribution of polyethylene produced with 1/MAO reaches 11.00 and the HT-GPC curve shows a bimodal distribution. The melting point of the polyethylene obtained by 1/MAO is higher than 135 °C and the ¹³C NMR spectrum of PE shows only one strong signal at 30 ppm for the methylene units indicating a highly linear and crystalline polymer.     

Pentacoordinated iron(II) complexes with 2,6-bis[(imino)ethyl]pyridine-Schiff base ligands as new catalyst systems mediated atom transfer radical polymerization of (meth)acrylate monomers

2,6-bis[1-(cis)-myrtanylimino)ethyl]pyridineiron(II) chloride (2) and 2,6-bis[(1-phenylimino)ethyl]pyridineiron(II) chloride (3) were investigated as novel complexes for iron-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) using toluene as the solvent, and ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate as the initiator. A catalyst/initiator molar ratio as low as 0.1/1 was used in order to reduce catalyst contamination to the polymers. Both complexes produced PMMA and PtBA polymers with controlled structures and very low molecular weight distributions as low as 1.07, in particular for complex 3. High to moderate conversions (30–45%) were obtained in 20 h, although very diluted amount of catalyst was used and in the absence of any reducing agent which indicates an efficient catalyst system. The resulting polymers were characterized by NMR, GPC, and DSC. Syndio-rich atactic poly(t-BA) and poly(MMA) with relatively high [rr] diads (50%, 42%, respectively) were isolated.     

Gas permeation properties of poly(2,5-dialkyl-p-phenyleneethynylene) membranes

Dipropynylbenzenes with alkyl groups (CH₃C ≡ CRC₆H₂RC≡CCH₃, R=n-C₆H₁₃, n-C₈H₁₇, n-C₁₀H₂₁, 1a–c, respectively) were polymerized with Mo(CO)₆ to afford solvent-soluble poly(2,5-dialkyl-p-phenyleneethynylene)s (2a–c). The polymers (2a–c) had high molecular weight over 3×10⁴, and gave free-standing membranes by solution casting method. According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), these poly(p-phenyleneethynylene)s showed high thermal stability (T₀ ≥380 °C). The densities of membranes of poly(2,5-dialkyl-p-phenyleneethynylene)s (2a–c) were 0.936–0.965, and their fractional free volume (FFV) were relatively large (ca. 0.14–0.15). The oxygen permeability coefficients (PO₂) of membranes of 2a–c were 4.88, 7.06, and 16.6 barrers, respectively.     

Novel binary chlorides containing TiCl3 as components of coordination catalysts for ethylene polymerization. I. Synthesis and characterization of the solid solutions obtained

New binary chlorides have been obtained by reacting TiCl₄ with V(CO)₆, Cr(CO)₆, Mn₂(CO)₁₀, Mn(CO)₅Cl, Ni(CO)₄, Co₂(CO)₈, Fe(CO)₅, or Mo(CO)₆. The reactions yield quantitatively mixed chlorides having the general formula MCl_n·n TiCl₃, where n = 2 or 3 and M is a divalent or trivalent transition metal cation. MCl_n is generally isomorphous with the α- or γ-modification of TiCl₃. X-Ray and spectroscopic investigations indicate that the mixed chlorides obtained are solid solutions. High surface area values are associated with the adducts displaying lower crystallinity. Catalyst efficiencies two or three times higher than that of AlCl₃·3TiCl₃ were observed in the low-pressure polymerization of ethylene (HDPE) when some binary chloride was associated with Al(i-C₄H₉)₃. These results allow treating the obtained solid solutions as reference systems of high-yield catalysts for HDPE synthesis.     

Homopolymerization of styrenic monomers and their copolymerization with ethylene using group 4 non-metallocene catalysts

Homopolymerization of styrenic monomers (St, p-Me-St, p-tBu-St, p-tBuO-St) and their copolymerization with ethylene, with the use of [(^tBu2O₂NN′)ZrCl]₂(μ-O) ( 1 ) and (^tBu2O₂NN′)TiCl₂ ( 2 ), where ^tBu2O₂NN′ = Me₂N(CH₂)₂N(CH₂-2-O⁻-3,5-tBu₂-C₆H₂)₂, is explored in the presence of MMAO and (iBu)₃Al/Ph₃CB(C₆F₅)₄. The ethylene/styrenic monomers copolymerization with 1 /MMAO produces exclusively copolymers with high activity and good comonomer incorporation whereas the other catalytic systems yield mixtures of copolymers and homopolymers. The use of p-alkyl styrene derivatives instead of styrene raises the catalytic activity, comonomer incorporation and molecular weights of the copolymers. Complex 2 exhibits higher activity in homopolymerization of styrenic monomers than 1 irrespective of the kind of the activator employed. A clear dependence is observed for the molecular weight and catalyst activity against the kind of the styrenic monomer. The obtained polymers were atactic and only the complex 2 , when activated by MMAO, promoted the highly syndiospecific polymerization of p-Me-St and p-tBu-St. Poly(p-tBuO-St) exhibits fiber-forming properties.     

Polymerization of N-substituted 2-propynamides with transition metal catalysts

Summary Polymerization of N-substituted 2-propynamides proceeded in the presence of Pd(II) catalysts such as [Pd(CH₃CN)₄](BF₄)₂, PdCl₂(PhCN)₂-n-BuLi, and PdCl₂(nbd)-n-BuLi. The molecular weights of the obtained polymers ranged 8,500 to 14,000, depending on the catalysts. From the ¹H NMR spectra, these polymers were found to have alternating double bonds in the main chain. Received: 25 December 2000/Revised version: 17 January 2001/Accepted: 19 January 2001     

Immobilized Me2Si(C5Me4)(N‐tBu)TiCl2/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 hybrid metallocene catalyst system for the production of poly(ethylene‐co‐hexene) with pseudo‐bimodal molecular weight and inverse comonomer distribution

Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(N‐tBu)TiCl₂, (nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂, and Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(N‐tBu)TiCl₂/(nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂ catalyst systems were successfully immobilized on silica and applied to ethylene/hexene copolymerization. In the presence of 20 mL of hexene and 25 mg of butyloctyl magnesium in 400 mL of isobutane at 40 bar of ethylene, Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(N‐tBu)TiCl₂ immobilized catalyst afforded poly(ethylene‐co‐hexene) with high molecular weight ([η] = 12.41) and high comonomer content (%C₆ = 2.8%), while (nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂‐immobilized catalyst afforded polymers with relatively low molecular weight ([η] = 2.58) with low comonomer content (%C₆ = 0.9%). Immobilized Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(N‐tBu)TiCl₂/(nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂ hybrid catalyst exhibited high and stable polymerization activity with time, affording polymers with pseudo‐bimodal molecular weight distribution and clear inverse comonomer distribution (low comonomer content for low molecular weight polymer fraction and vice versa). The polymerization characteristics and rate profiles suggest that individual catalysts in the hybrid catalyst system are independent of each other. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:131–139, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Titanium precatalysts bearing N-substituted β-amino alcohols for 1-hexene polymerization: The effect of steric crowding

A series of titanium-based non-metallocene precatalysts [2-(2,6-dialkylphenylamino)-1-phenylethoxy TiCl₂ were prepared by reacting lithium salts of the corresponding amino alcohols with TiCl₄(THF)₂. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), these precatalysts polymerized 1-hexene in isotactic manner. The catalyst activity and polymer properties depended on the steric features in the ortho positions of the aniline moiety of the ligands. As the bulkiness of the alkyl group in ortho positions of the aniline moiety increased, the catalyst showed better activity with high molecular weight and greater tacticity control. For 1-hexene polymerization, precatalyst 1ATiCl₂ showed activity of 3.05 kg of PH/mol-Ti.h at room temperature and the resulting polyhexene had molecular weight of 403,600 (M_w/M_n=1.40) with 80% isotacticity (mmmm). The dibenzylic titanium complexes 1ATi(CH₂Ph)₂ and 3ATi(CH₂Ph)₂, upon activation with MAO or Ph₃CB(C₆F₅)₄, showed relatively lower activities towards 1-hexene polymerization, yielding polymers of lower molecular weights but with narrow molecular weight distribution.     

Temperature effect on ethylene polymerization with a catalyst prepared by mixing Mg(C2H5)(n-C4H9), Al(C2H5)1.5Cl1.5 and iron(II)bis (imino)pyridyl complex

Summary Ethylene polymerization was conducted with a catalyst prepared by mixing 2,6-bis{1-[2,6-(diisopropylphenyl)imino]ethyl}pyridine iron dichloride, Mg(C₂H₅)(n-C₄H₉) and Al(C₂H₅)_1.5Cl_1.5 in the presence of common alkylaluminium as cocatalyst. Both the activity and the molecular weight of polymers produced were markedly dependent upon the polymerization temperature. The end-group analysis of polymers showed that the molecular weight of polymers produced at higher temperature was reduced by chain transfer with Al(C₂H₅)₃ in addition to β-hydrogen elimination.     

Polymerization of vinyl chloride with butyllithiums and metallocene catalysts

Polymerizations of vinyl chloride (VC) with butyllithium (BuLi) and metallocene catalysts were investigated. In the polymerization of VC with BuLi, the activity for polymerization decreased in the following order; t‐BuLi > n‐BuLi > s‐BuLi. A polymer controlled structurally in the main chain was found to be synthesized from the polymerization of VC with BuLi. The molecular weights of polymers obtained in bulk polymerization were higher than those of polymers obtained in solution. A linear relationship of the M_n of the polymer and the polymer yields was observed. The M_w/M_n of the polymer did not change significantly during polymerization, although the M_w/M_n was around 2. Thermal stability of the polymer obtained with BuLi was higher than that of polymer obtained with radical initiators, as determined by TGA measurements. In the polymerization of VC with Cp*TiX₃/MAO (X: Cl and OCH₃) catalysts, polymers were obtained with both catalysts, although the rate of polymerization was slow. The Cp*Ti(OCH₃)₃//MAO catalyst in CH₂Cl₂ gave higher‐molecular‐weight polymers in a better yield than in toluene. From elemental analysis and the NMR spectra of the polymers, the Cp*Ti(OCH₃)₃/MAO catalyst gave polymers consisting of repeating regular head‐to‐tail units, in contrast to the Cp*TiCl₃/MAO catalyst, which gave polymers having anomalous units.