Anionic Group III Complex Activators for Olefin Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catalyst systems for olefin polymerization face challenges in achieving high temperature capability, consistent polymer composition, and efficient activation of metal-ligand procatalysts.
Innovation Solution
The use of activators with a specific structure, including a metal in a +3 oxidation state such as boron, aluminum, or yttrium, and a cationic component, to enhance the activation of metal-ligand procatalysts and improve catalyst performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional activators are used for procatalyst activation, then activation can occur, but the rate of activation is slow and catalyst efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the activator by using anionic group III complexes with specific ligand structures (formula I) that have enhanced Lewis acidity and electrophilicity. This parameter change in the activator's chemical properties enables faster procatalyst activation rates while maintaining high catalyst efficiency, resolving the contradiction between activation speed and catalytic performance.
2Temperature
If conventional catalyst systems are used, then polymerization can proceed, but high temperature capability and consistent polymer composition are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite catalyst system comprising a group IV metal procatalyst (formula II) combined with an anionic group III complex activator (formula I). This composite system integrates the high temperature stability of the group IV metal center with the enhanced activating capability of the group III anionic complex, enabling the catalyst to operate at elevated temperatures while maintaining consistent polymer composition through stable active site structure.
3Productivity
If traditional activators are employed, then procatalyst activation occurs, but the overall catalyst efficiency and polymerization performance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the anionic group III complex with specific functional regions: the central metal atom (B, Al, Ga, Sc, Y, or lanthanide) provides Lewis acidity for activation, while the surrounding ligands (R1-R18 groups in formula I) with fluorine substitutions provide steric protection and electronic modulation. This localized functional differentiation enables high catalyst efficiency while managing structural complexity through targeted molecular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed activators effectively increase the rate of procatalyst activation, enhance catalyst efficiency, and enable operation at high temperatures while maintaining consistent polymer composition.
Implementation Method 1
Brønsted acid salts that are fully ionized are capable of transferring a proton to form a cationic derivative of such Group IV metal complexes
Implementation Method 2
the cationic component may include cations capable of transferring a hydrogen ion such as ammonium, sulfonium, or phosphonium
Implementation Method 3
highly Lewis acidic cations such as carbonium or silylium
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include activators having a structure according to formula (I).