Catalysts for preparing ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

• US 9,617,362 B2
• Filed: 08/18/2015
• Issued: 04/11/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy SA (Totalenergies Se)
• Original Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy SA (Totalenergies Se)
• Inventors: Wassenaar, Jeroen
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Rip A
• Application Number:
  US14/828,577
• Publication Number:
  US 20150361193A1
• Time in Patent Office: 602 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/18 containing nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic or antimony as complexing atoms, e.g. in pyridine ligands, or in resonance therewith, e.g. in isocyanide ligands C=N-R or as complexed central atoms double metal cyanides B01J27/26; N-heterocyclic carbenes B01J31/2265
• CPC Class Codes: C07F 7/003 without C-Metal linkages
• CPC Class Codes: C07F 7/081 comprising at least one atom selected from the elements N, O, halogen, S, Se or Te
• CPC Class Codes: C07F 7/0827 Syntheses with formation of a Si-C bond
• CPC Class Codes: C08F 10/00 Homopolymers and copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond
• CPC Class Codes: C08F 110/02 Ethene
• CPC Class Codes: C08F 2500/01 High molecular weight, e.g. >800,000 Da.
• CPC Class Codes: C08F 2500/17 Viscosity
• CPC Class Codes: C08F 4/60048 NO
• CPC Class Codes: C08F 4/64048 NO

Abstract

Group 4 transition metal complexes of bidentate iminonaphthol pro-ligands can be used as catalysts to polymerize olefins, such as ethylene. Group 4 transition metal complexes of bidentate iminonaphthol pro-ligands can have a single-site nature, allowing the catalysts to be used to prepare ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having a narrow molecular weight distribution.

Claims

1. A process for preparing a bi-dentate pro-ligand comprising:

providing a 2-methoxynaphthalene of formula II;

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the first base is sec-BuLi.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the electrophilic bromine source is N-bromosuccinimide or bromine Br₂.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the second base is tert-BuLi.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein the deprotecting of the compound of formula V′

comprises treatment with BBr₃.

6. The process of claim 1, wherein the acid is formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), or p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA).

7. The process of claim 1, wherein the condensation of the compound of formula VI with the amine R⁸—

NH₂ is performed in the presence of tetraethyl orthosilicate or titanium tetrachloride.