KINETICS OF POLYMERIZATION OF 1-OCTENE WITH THE CATALYST SYSTEMS VO(ACAC)(2)-ALET(3) (OR ALET(2)BR)

The kinetics of 1-octene polymerization by the catalyst systems VO(aca c)(2)-AlEt(3) (I) and VO(acac)(2)-AlEt(2)Br (II) was investigated. A l inear dependence of the rate of polymerization on the monomer and cata lyst concentrations as well as the overall activation energy of 44.5 k J/mol for both the catalyst systems was found. The dependence of the r ate of polymerization on aluminium alkyl concentration is explained by Langmuir-Hinshelwood adsorption of the monomer and the aluminium alky l. Characterization of the structure of the polymer by C-13-NMR spectr a revealed the isotactic content. The mechanism of polymerization is d iscussed in relation to the kinetic data obtained.