Reactivity of metallocene catalysts for olefin polymerization: Influence of activator nature and structure

In this review, various synthetic and structural aspects of methylaluminoxa ne and the elementary processes involved in olefin polymerization, as ident ified by various spectroscopic techniques, are detailed. Various boron-base d counterions and their interactions with metallocenium cations are discuss ed. A comparison between MAO and boron-based activators in terms of catalyt ic activity and polymer characteristics is made. Finally, the use of the ab ove system in the polymerization of cationically polymerizable monomers and acrylates is discussed.