Effect of the nature of metallocene complexes of group IV metals on their performance in catalytic ethylene and propylene polymerization

The effect of the nature of metallocene complexes of group IV metals on their performance in catalytic ethylene and propylene polymerization is discussed. There are many parameters involved in determining the kinetics of the polymerization. Tiny changes at the metallocene complex have a drastic effect on the activity of the catalyst and the properties of the polymers. Molecular modeling confirms trends and the presented empirical trends is helpful in preparing more or less tailored metallocene catalysts for application. A comparative overview of remarkable catalyst or polymer properties in homogeneous solution, independent of the complex family or polymerization conditions is presented.