Titanium Catalyst Ligand Substitution for Olefin Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catalyst systems for olefin polymerization, particularly those with phosphinimine ligands, exhibit relatively low activity, and require pre-mixing of catalyst and cocatalyst, leading to inefficiencies in polymerization processes.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst system comprising a metal complex with a guanidinate ligand and a mono- or polysubstituted cyclopentadienyl-type ligand, combined with an activating cocatalyst such as borate or borane, which enables immediate and highly active polymerization of olefins without the need for pre-mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If organometallic complexes with phosphinimine ligands are used for olefin polymerization, then the catalyst system can function, but the catalyst activity is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ligand system by replacing phosphinimine ligands with guanidinate ligands combined with conjugated diene ligands. This parameter change in ligand chemistry fundamentally alters the electronic and steric properties of the titanium complex, resulting in dramatically enhanced catalyst activity for olefin polymerization while maintaining reliable catalyst performance.
2Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems are used, then polymerization can proceed, but pre-mixing of catalyst and cocatalyst is required, reducing process efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing the titanium complex with both the guanidinate ligand and the conjugated diene ligand already coordinated to the metal center. This preliminary configuration of the catalyst structure eliminates the need for pre-mixing steps with cocatalysts, as the complex is pre-configured for immediate activation and polymerization upon contact with monomer, thereby simplifying the overall process.
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 system achieves instantaneous and highly active polymerization of olefins, significantly improving catalyst activity and allowing for efficient production of polymers like polyethylene with desired properties, such as low density and high molecular weight.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins comprising a metal complex of formula CyLMD and an activating cocatalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins comprising a metal complex of formula CyLMD and an activating cocatalyst, wherein M is titanium, Cy is a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand, D is a diene, L is a guanidinate-containing ligand of the formula (I) wherein each A is independently selected from nitrogen or phosphorous and R, R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, silyl and germyl residues, substituted or not with one or more halogen, amido, phosphido, alkoxy, or aryloxy radicals, and Cy is a mono- or polysubstituted cyclopentadienyl-type ligand, wherein the one or more substituents of Cy are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydrocarbyl, silyl and germyl residues, optionally substituted with one or more halogen, amido, phosphido, alkoxy, or aryloxy residues. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of a polymer comprising at least one aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl C2-20 olefin wherein the at least one aliphatic or aromatic olefin is contacted with the catalyst system of the present invention.