Transition Metal Catalyst with Dative Oxygen Bonds
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new and improved catalyst systems for olefin polymerization to achieve specific polymer properties such as low molecular weights, increased conversion, or altered comonomer distribution without compromising the polymer's properties.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel transition metal catalyst compounds with specific oxygen atom bonding configurations and bridging groups, combined with activators, to enhance olefin polymerization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems are used for olefin polymerization, then polymerization can proceed, but the molecular weight control and comonomer incorporation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric ligand environments around the metal center through specific oxygen atom bonding configurations and bridging groups. This localized structural differentiation enables precise control over polymer chain growth, achieving both high productivity and controlled molecular weight through the differentiated local chemical environment at the catalyst active site
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the electronic and steric parameters of the catalyst through specific oxygen bonding modes (dative bonds) and bridging group selections. These parameter modifications to the catalyst structure enable tuning of polymerization kinetics and polymer properties, resolving the contradiction between productivity and molecular weight control
2Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems are used, then polymerization occurs, but comonomer distribution and incorporation are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific local chemical environments through oxygen bonding configurations and bridging groups that favor selective comonomer incorporation. This localized structural control enables differentiated interaction with monomer and comonomer species, achieving optimized comonomer distribution while maintaining high conversion rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the oxygen atoms and bridging groups as intermediaries that mediate between the metal center and incoming monomers/comonomers. These intermediary ligands control the electronic and steric environment, facilitating selective comonomer incorporation and stable composition control during high-rate polymerization
3Manufacturing precision
If new catalyst structures are developed to improve polymer properties, then molecular weight control improves, but catalyst complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the catalyst structure into distinct functional modules: the metal center, oxygen bonding units, and bridging groups. This segmented architecture allows independent optimization of each component for molecular weight control while managing overall complexity through modular design principles
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 catalyst systems achieve improved molecular weights and comonomer incorporation, maintaining polymer properties and efficiency in polymerization processes.
Implementation Method 1
two of the oxygen groups are bonded to the metal by dative bonds
Implementation Method 2
catalyst systems comprising such, and polymerization processes using such
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to novel transition metal catalyst compounds comprising four oxygen atoms bonded to a transition metal where two of the oxygen groups are bonded to the metal by dative bonds and a silyl or germyl bridge, catalyst systems comprising such, and polymerization processes using such.