Transition Metal Catalyst for Low Density Polyolefins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transition metal catalysts for olefin polymerization lack improved copolymerization performance and molecular weight control, particularly at high temperatures, and require complex synthesis methods, limiting their practical application in commercial settings.

Innovation Solution

A novel transition metal compound with a specific structure, featuring a cyclopentadienyl ligand, amido group, and ortho-phenylene bridge, which forms a stable and rigid pentagonal ring structure, enhancing copolymerization properties and allowing for the production of polyolefins with controlled molecular weight and low density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional metallocene catalysts are used, then copolymerization degree of alpha-olefin can be achieved, but polymerization activity decreases at high temperatures and molecular weight control is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymerization activityVSAvoidmolecular weight control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the metallocene catalyst by introducing a constrained geometry design with a specific ligand configuration (Formula 1), where R1-R16 represent various substituents. This structural parameter change enables the catalyst to maintain high activity at elevated temperatures while improving molecular weight control through the constrained geometry effect that creates a specific coordination environment for the monomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If derivatives of CGC are synthesized to improve copolymerization performance, then copolymerization degree of alpha-olefin with large steric hindrance is enhanced, but synthesis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopolymerization degreeVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by specifically designing the ligand environment around the metal center with a constrained geometry structure. The Formula 1 catalyst features a specific arrangement where Q1 and Q2 are hydrogen or halogen, and R1-R16 are various hydrocarbon groups, creating a localized active site that enhances copolymerization of sterically hindered alpha-olefins while maintaining a relatively simple overall molecular structure that facilitates synthesis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If catalysts with improved copolymerization performance are developed, then polymer with controlled molecular weight and low density can be produced, but catalyst structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight controlVSAvoidcatalyst structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite catalyst structure by combining the metallocene core with a constrained geometry ligand system in Formula 1. This composite design integrates the electron-donating properties of the cyclopentadienyl rings with the steric constraints of the bridging structure, achieving controlled molecular weight and low density polymers through the synergistic effect of these combined structural elements without requiring overly complex molecular architectures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3239159B1Transition metal compound having heteroatom, catalyst composition including the same and preparation method of polymer using the catalyst composition
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3239159B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3239159B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3239159B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a transition metal compound, having a novel structure, in which heteroatoms are introduced, a catalyst composition containing the transition metal compound, and a polymer preparation method using the catalyst composition. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transition metal compound can be used as a catalyst having excellent copolymerizability and can prepare a polymer having a high molecular weight in a low density region.