Polymerization using late transition metal catalyst complexes formed in situ

摘要

The invention is directed towards the formation of polymers and copolymers using late transition metal polymerization catalyst complexes which are formed in situ. In the first process step of the instant invention, a composition having the formula MXZ_n is simultaneously contacted with a ligand and an activating cocatalyst. Referring to the formula, M is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au; X is selected from the group consisting of halides, hydride, triflate, acetates, borates, C₁ through C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ through C₁₂ alkoxy, C₃ through C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃ through C₁₂ cycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolates, carbon monoxide, cyanate, olefins, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert; Z is selected from the group consisting of halides, hydride, triflate, acetates, borates, C₁ through C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ through C₁₂ alkoxy, C₃ through C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃ through C₁₂ cycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolates, carbon monoxide, cyanate, olefins, a neutral coordinating ligand, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert; n equals 0, 1 or 2. In the second process step of the instant invention, olefinic monomers are contacted with the activated catalyst composition under polymerization conditions.