Isomeric effect of the Et(H4Ind)2Zr(CH3)2 catalyst on the copolymerization of ethylene and styrene: A computational study

Abstract

AbstractA density functional theory (B3LYP) computational study of the ethylene–styrene copolymerization process using meso‐Et(H4Ind)2Zr(CH3)2 as the catalyst is presented. The monomer insertion barriers in meso species are evaluated and compared with previously obtained barriers in rac diastereoisomers. Differences related to ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene–styrene copolymerization activities as well as styrene incorporation into the copolymer are found between the meso and rac diastereoisomers. Nevertheless, a migratory insertion mechanism seems to hold for both diastereoisomeric species. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4752–4761, 2006