Late-metal catalysts for ethylene homo- and copolymerization

Ethylene polymerization and copolymerization using late metal catalysts are discussed. Late metal catalysts with high electrophilicity and/or steric hindrance produces high molecular weight polymer. The detailed mechanistic picture developed around the cationic α-diimine nickel and palladium catalysts provides a mechanistic rationale. In the copolymerization of ethylene and methyl acrylate by the α-diimine palladium catalysts, functional-group tolerance of late metal catalysts is evident. Late metal catalysts enable the synthesis of new classes of polymers unavailable through other means of polymerization. The preparation of linear low density polyethylenes from ethylene represents an opportunity to design ethylene homopolymers for target applications.