Study of Homogeneously Catalyzed Ziegler–Natta Polymerization of Ethene by ESI‐MS

Abstract

Direct evidence: An ESI mass spectrometer coupled online to a microreactor was used to intercept the catalytically active cationic intermediates of the Ziegler–Natta polymerization of ethene with the homogeneous catalyst system [Cp2ZrCl2]/MAO (see picture; MAO=methylaluminoxane, Cp=cyclopentadienyl, X=CH3, Cl). For the first time these intermediates were studied directly from the solution and their catalytic activity proved.