Seminar "From Metallocenes to Post-Metallocene Polymerization Catalysts" by Prof. Jun Okuda, RWTH Aachen University

Speaker:

Prof. Jun Okuda, RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Germany

Title:

From Metallocenes to Post-Metallocene Polymerization Catalysts
 

Abstract:

One of the most important industrial polymerization catalysts is the heterogeneous Ziegler-type
catalyst that produces linear high-density polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene. The
introduction of zirconocene catalysts led to the understanding of the polymerization mechanism on
the molecular level. Other structurally well-defined organometallic catalysts such as [OSSO]-type
bis(phenolato) group 4 metals allowed living and isospecific styrene polymerization, including the
synthesis of optically active oligomers. These post-metallocene catalysts were furthermore suitable
for the study of stereoselective polymerization of cyclic esters such as lactide. From the standpoint
of ligand design, the evolution of [OSSO]-type bis(phenolato) group 3 and 4 metals will be
discussed.

Keywords:

Ziegler-Natta Catalyst; Metallocene Catalyst; Stereoselective Styrene Polymerization; Ring-Opening
Polymerization of Lactide