Site chirality as a messenger in chain-end stereocontrolled propene polymerization

Abstract

The origin of stereoselectivity in the chain-end controlled syndiospecific polymerization of propene with octahedral Ti-catalysts is unclear. We present a possible mechanism which is based on the site chirality as a messenger of information between the chirality of the chain-end and the chirality of monomer insertion which can operate for secondary propagation. This mechanism could be operative also for the industrially relevant V-based homogeneous catalysts. Copyright © 2002 American Chemical Society.