Electron transfer mechanism in olefin polymerization

Polymerization of olefins mediated by transition metal derivatives (Ziegler–Natta polymerization) is one of the most scientifically and industrially important processes of molecular conversion. Electron transfer mechanism could play a significant role in both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. The catalytic activity strongly depends on the presence of two metallocene ligands attached to the transition metal (more commonly zirconium) which grants the valence form of zirconium in complexes of the type Cp₂ZrX₂(X=Cl or CH₃) followed by the formation of the (Cp₂ZrX)⁺ cation under the effect of a Lewis acid. On the other hand, Ti complexes with only one metallocene ligand give the syndiospecific polymerization of styrene, where the phenyl group appears to act as electron donor for the transition metal. The remarkable electronic effect of the metallocene groups in determining catalytic activity is demonstrated by the study of substituted metallocene ligands as well as other ligands around the metal. These effects cannot be, however, completely separated from steric effects which seem to be responsible for the impressive and versatile stereochemical control determined by symmetry properties of the transition metal complex.