The 60th Birthday of Prof. Minoru Terano

Abstract

annually and provide up to two thirds of all synthesized polymers, thereby providing cheap and light substances for packaging, furni-ture and other construction in our every day life. Although synthetic polymers have been criticized for the crucial problem of environmental pollution, polyolefi n materials should be recognized as sustainable mate-rials because they are composed of pure hydrocarbon components with low negative environmental impact. They also have helped by transfer-ring the role played by natural oil resources into fuels. In addition, there is no doubt that polyolefi ns pro-vide hydrophobic materials, saving manpower on cleaning, and they can play a role in protecting natural materials. Similar to ecological agri-cultural products, scientists should stand up to emphasize the impor-tance and contributions of polyole-fi ns through continuing innovations of catalysis and materials. From an academic viewpoint, to elevate the profi ts of the polyolefi n industry, effective catalytic systems are forever in demand; moreover, the development of new catalytic systems is eagerly sought for value-added polyolefi ns in such a highly competi-tive industry. With personal discus-sions and the advice of Prof. Vincenzo Busico and Dr. Stefan Spiegel, this special issue focuses on the develop-ments of Z iegler–Natta, Phillips, and metallocence catalytic systems, as well as late-transition metal complex pre-catalysts, including aspects of cat-alyst design, as well as catalytic trans-formations and industrialization. The selected papers will enhance the dis-cussions relating to newly developing catalytic systems. The papers cross