Chain transfer reactions in metallocene catalyzed polymerization of allylbenzene

Summary

Allylbenzene was polymerized in the presence of two types of homogeneous zirconocene catalysts (co-catalyst methylaluiminoxane). Selective chain termination through β-hydride elimination or chain transfer to aluminum was observed depending upon the catalysts employed. The rac-Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂, and rac-Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂, catalysts gave the polyallylbenzenes with saturated end groups due to chain transfer to aluminum, while the Cp₂ZrCl₂ catalyst gave the polyallylbenzenes with vinylidene end groups due to β-hydride elimination.