Transition metal catalysts ferrocene polymers

Copolymerization reactions with ferrocenophanes using transition metal catalysts have also been accomplished. The self-assembly of block copolymers has been examined, and polymers with dimethylsiloxane or ethyleneoxide blocks have been found to be soluble in aqueous solution. These ferrocene-based polymers have been found to self-assemble in solution, and their morphologies have been investigated. A number of water-soluble anionic (26) and cationic (27) polyelectrolytes have also been produced by sidechain functionalization. 

Cyclopentadiene [542-92-7] (CPD), CsHe, (1), and its more stable dimer, dicy-clopentadiene [77-73-6] (DCPD), C10H12, (2), are the major constituents of hydrocarbon resins, cyclic olefin polymers, and a host of specialty chemicals. They can be transformed into many chemical intermediates used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, perfumes, flame retardants, and antioxidants. Because of their wide industrial uses, their chemistry has been extensively investigated and documented. Numerous reviews (1-12) have been published on the subject. The production processes and industrial uses of CPD and DCPD are summarized in Reference 13. In addition to the classical organic reactions, CPD forms organic metallic complexes, ferrocene, with transition metals (14). Some of these complexes have been established as excellent olefin polymerization catalysts. Several reviews have been published on this rapid growing field (15-19) (see Single-Site Catalysts). 

Metallocenes have been used for complexes which have sandwich structures with two cyclopentadienyl ligands since the discovery of ferrocene. Recently metal complexes having one cyclopentadienyl ligand have also been classified as a member of metallocene derivatives. One important discovery in this area is the olefin polymerization catalyzed by metallocene complexes of early transition metals such as zirconium and titanium. In particular, the structure of the metallocene catalyst has a remarkable effect on the structure of the polymers. This discovery has had a strong impact on the industry. 

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