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Methylalumoxane – History, Production, Properties, and Applications
Author(s) -
Zijlstra Harmen S.,
Harder Sjoerd
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
european journal of inorganic chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1099-0682
pISSN - 1434-1948
DOI - 10.1002/ejic.201402978
Subject(s) - olefin polymerization , chemistry , polymerization , homogeneous , olefin fiber , characterization (materials science) , catalysis , nanotechnology , polymer science , organic chemistry , polymer , materials science , thermodynamics , physics
Since its discovery, methylalumoxane (MAO) has become of great importance as a cocatalyst in homogeneous olefin polymerization. The working principles of single‐site polymerization catalysts are well‐understood, but those of the cocatalyst MAO itself are not. Thus far structural and functional investigations have yielded limited insights and often give contradicting results. MAO's complex nature is due to multiple equilibria between undefined oligomers and “free” trimethylaluminum. Fundamental studies do not clearly portray the molecular structure, and the exact functioning of MAO remains a topic of debate. This comprehensive overview starts with the historical background of MAO and then focuses on its synthesis and large‐scale production, structural characterization, properties, and different roles in the activation of olefin polymerization catalysts. Also given is an overview of potential modifications, immobilization on surfaces, and other alternative applications that have been reported for MAO.