Syndiospecific polymerization of styrene by half-titanocene catalysts with the sulfur-containing donor ligand

Abstract

Monocyclopentadienyl titanium complexes of the type Cp*TiX 2 L (Cp* = C 5 Me 5 , 1: L = C 6 F 5 S, X = OMe; 2: L = C 6 F 5 S, X = Cl; 3: L = 2, 6-Me 2 -C 6 H 3 S, X = OMe) have been synthesized with high yields. These complexes are used as the catalysts for the syndiospecific polymerization of styrene. High catalytic activity is observed, and a polymer with high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution is obtained. It is concluded that not only the sulfur-containing donor ligand but also the anion ligand strongly affects the polymerization activity and the molecular weight of the resultant polymer.

Syndioselective Polymerization of Vinylnaphthalene

“…Thanks to the invention of the half‐sandwich titanium catalyst that realizes high catalytic activity and syndioselectivity for styrene polymerization . Since then, extensive studies have been devoted to develop efficient “single‐site” catalytic systems for stereospecific polymerization of styrene and its derivatives, and various homogeneous metallocene, half‐metallocene, and non‐metallocene group 3 and 4 metal‐based catalysts have been invented . In the meantime, syndiotactic polystyrene derivatives bearing polar groups such as halogen, alkoxyl, aminoalkyl, and methylthio etc., that provide polymers with improved surface properties, adhesive properties, affinity for dyes, and compatibility with other polar polymers, have been successfully prepared …”