Chromocene‐based catalysts for ethylene polymerization: Thermal removal of the cyclopentadienyl ligand

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Abstract
Thermal aging of a chromocene catalyst, (C5H5)2Cr/SiO2, in an inert atmosphere leads to a modified catalyst which shows poor response to hydrogen as a transfer agent. Polyethylenes prepared at a polymerization temperature of 90°C with this modified catalyst have a low melt index and high vinyl unsaturation level. By thermogravimetry the weight loss of the catalyst, relative to dehydrated silica, was equivalent to loss of one cyclopentadienyl ligand per chromium site. Pyrolytic gas chromatography showed cyclopentadiene was liberated in the thermal process. These overall studies provide strong evidence that loss of a cyclopentadienyl ligand in supported chromium catalysts has a profound effect on overall polymerization behavior.