Catalytic reactivity and stereospecificity of organometallic compounds in olefin polymerization

Catalytic reactivity of organometallic compounds in olefin polymerization is discussed on the basis of the electronegativity of the metal. The transition metal compounds seem to participate in the polymerization as Lewis acids which facilitate the addition of an aluminum alkyl by a concerted mechanism. A mechanism for the stereospecific polymerization is advanced in which hindered rotation around the terminal CC bond in the growing polymer and a specific orientation of a monomer to the polymer chain are assumed.