Toward Single-Site, Immobilized Molecular Catalysts:  Site-Isolated Ti Ethylene Polymerization Catalysts Supported on Porous Silica

A new, general patterning methodology that may allow for the preparation of site-isolated organometallic catalysts on a silica surface is reported. The technique is demonstrated with Group 4 polymerization catalysts. The catalysts synthesized via the patterning method have up to a 10-fold increase in activity as compared to materials prepared by traditional techniques. In addition to supporting Group 4 polymerization catalysts, the patterned aminosilica is a possible support for other metal complexes, allowing for the synthesis of a wide array of immobilized single-site organometallic catalysts.