Transition metal complex catalysts promoting copolymers of cycloolefin with propylene/higher olefins

Demanding synthetic polymers with properties of the optical, electrical, hydrophobic, thermo- and chemical stability, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) have been quickly developed for the usage of optical materials, high-frequency and high-speed electronic devices, pharmaceutical packaging and so on. Recently the newly developing copolymers of cyclic olefins with propylene or higher olefins have been intensively investigated with more attention for not only new copolymers but also advanced properties providing new extensive applications for the expanding markets. The progress of new copolymers has been centralized on development of suitable transition metal complex catalysts, being finely tuning complex catalysts in order to improve polymerization activities and tailor copolymers with their microstructures controlled. To providing the whole view of transition metal complex catalysts in copolymerizing cyclic olefins with propylene or higher olefins with both academic and industrial points, the review classifies different types of complex catalysts to correlate their structural features with catalytic performances as well as the microstructures of resultant copolymers; it would potentially enhance industrial investments and commercialization of new processes for advanced COCs through using efficient complex catalysts.