Copolymerization of Ethylene with Norbornene by Neutral Aryl Phosphine Sulfonate Palladium Catalyst

Complex [Pd(κ 2 - P,O -{2-(2-MeOC 6 H 4 ) 2 P}C 6 H 4 SO 3 )Me(dmso)] ( 1 ) was investigated as a single component catalyst for the copolymerization of ethylene with norbornene affording P(E- co -N) in excellent yields and molar masses significantly higher than those of polyethylene. Copolymer molar masses increased with N concentration. Determination of microstructure and reactivity ratios revealed a strong inherent tendency to form alternating copolymers. The ability of palladium complex 1 to effectively copolymerize ethylene with functionalized norbornene derivatives was also demonstrated.