Conversion Metallocene, Ziegler-Natta

Unlike molecules containing electron-rich heteroatoms, boron compounds do not poison Ziegler-Natta or metallocene polymerization catalysts. Borane-containing olefin comonomers are therefore well suited to produce olefin copolymers while retaining good catalyst activity. The resulting polymers are suitable for subsequent conversion into a variety of functional groups. In principle, two approaches are possible (1) hydroboration of the terminal double bond (formed by typical chain transfer processes) of a preformed polyolefin, and (2) direct copolymerization of propylene or a 1-alkene with an alkenyl borane (Scheme 11.4). 

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