Homogeneous asymmetric catalysis polymeric catalysts

The discovery of the stereoregular polymerization of alkenes by Ziegler-Natta catalysis opened a possible route to optically active polymers by a suitable modification of the catalyst. Indeed, Natta, in 1961, succeeded in polymerizing ben-zofurane 2 (Scheme 2) under the influence of a catalyst obtained by a combining of AICI3 and phenylalanine. Optical activity was detected for the polymer [15]. This reaction seems the first example of homogeneous asymmetric catalysis by a metal complex, however it is difficult to estimate the efficiency of the process from the specific rotation of the polymer. The asymmetric polymerization of... 

Considerable effort has been directed to the stereoselective synthesis of aimulated cyclopentadienyl complexes of the group 4 transition metals. Ci asymmetric and C2 synunetric aimulated cyclopentadienyl ligands have been used to prepare chiral organotitanium complexes, which are now being actively studied as catalysts for asymmetric synthesis and olefin polymerization see Asymmetric Synthesis by Homogeneous Catalysis). 

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