Kinetics of Step Growth Polymerization Processes

The term catalyst is often misused in anionic polymerization. These mechanisms require the use of initiators that differ from catalysts in that they are not regenerated at the end of the reaction. The similarity between initiators and catalysts is that they both create a situation that permits polymerization via a reduction in the activation energy of the process. 

A final example of homogeneous catalysis is the use of metallocene catalyst systems in chain growth polymerization processes. The metallocene, which consists of a metal ion sandwiched between two unsaturated ring systems, is activated by a cocatalyst. The activated catalyst complexes with the monomer thereby reducing the reaction s energy of activation. This increases the rate of the reaction by up to three orders of magnitude. 

---