Olefin polymerization catalysts based on convex, polcyclic ligands

Abstract

A catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The catalyst system includes an organometallic complex that incorporates a Group 3 to 10 transition metal and an anionic, polycyclic, convex ligand. Molecular modeling results indicate that the complexes, when combined with an activator, should actively polymerize olefins. The convex ligand uniquely stabilizes the active site while simultaneously minimizing steric interference. Calculations predict that complexes based on ligands with a high curvature index will have favorable reactivities with olefin monomers compared with similar complexes that incorporate Cp-like ligands.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.