Group 4 metal complexes for homogeneous olefin polymerisation: a short tutorial review

The discovery of transition metal-catalysed polymerisation of olefins in the 1950s by Ziegler and Natta was of huge importance. Over the last 30 years, the interest in homogenous polymerisation has not only grown but has changed focus from primarily studying the metallocene complexes of Group 4 to widespread exploration of post-metallocene systems. This is a consequence of extensive patenting of the metallocene catalyst systems, as well as for general interest in the improvement of polyolefin catalysis. The plastics industry produces more than 10 7 tonnes of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene each year worldwide, and the study of well-defined homogenous catalysts is invaluable in uncovering the mechanism of polymerisation and the fundamental properties of the active species. This short Tutorial Review gives an overview of homogenous transition metal Ziegler-Natta catalysis in general as well as an overview of a selection of Group 4 post-metallocene catalysts. An overview of the synthesis and reactions of alkyl cations relevant to olefin polymerisation is also given. Finally, this review summarises recent advances in bimetallic catalysts for olefin polymerisation.