Olefin Polymerizations Oriented by Rational Designs of Group-13 Compounds.

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Organometallic Chemistry

Background:

• Group 13 compounds (boron and aluminum) are key components in modern polymerization catalysis.
• Cationic transition-metal catalysts often utilize aluminum- and boron-containing counteranions.
• Functionalized monomers with boron and aluminum enable the synthesis of tailored polyolefins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of Group 13 activators in coordination polymerization.
• To highlight recent advancements in modifying methylaluminoxane (MAO) and developing new cocatalysts.
• To introduce novel boron-functionalized polyolefins derived from vinyl monomer copolymerization.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on Group 13 compounds in polymerization.
• Detailed examination of modified methylaluminoxane (MAO) systems.
• Development and application of Brønsted acidic cyclic fluoroarylborane cocatalysts.
• Copolymerization of vinyl monomers with boronic acid derivatives.

Main Results:

• Boron and aluminum-based activators demonstrably improve catalyst activity and regio/stereospecificity.
• Modified MAO and novel fluoroarylborane cocatalysts show significant efficacy.
• Synthesized boron-functionalized polyolefins exhibit potential for high-performance applications.
• Copolymerization yields versatile functionalized polyolefins.

Conclusions:

• Group 13 compounds are indispensable for advancing coordination polymerization.
• The development of new activators and functionalized monomers opens avenues for novel polymer materials.
• Boron-functionalized polyolefins offer promising solutions for high-performance plastics and reprocessable rubber.