Formation of nanotubular methylaluminoxanes and the nature of the active species in single-site α-olefin polymerization catalysis

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Tubular Al's: Quantum chemical calculations show the facile formation of nanotubular methylaluminoxanes from reactions between water and trimethylaluminum. The nanotubular methylaluminoxane is shown to be capable of activating metallocene catalysts for α-olefin polymerization (see structure; red O, bronze Al, blue Zr). © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.