Polymerization process with novel catalyst system

Abstract

A process for polymerization of vinyl monomers is described comprising (a) forming an onium salt complex comprising a transition metal component by reacting an onium salt with a transition metal species, and (b) polymerizing vinyl monomers in the presence of the formed transition metal containing onium salt and an organic halide initiator compound. The present invention provides a novel method for living polymerization of vinyl monomers, which provides a high level of macromolecular control over polymerization process and which leads to more uniform and more controllable polymeric products. In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the organic halide initiator comprises an organic chloride or bromide compound, as the onium salt complexes which comprise a transition metal provide increased catalystic effect required for use of such initiator compounds relative to organic iodide initiator compounds.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.