Multi-dentate late transition metal catalyst complexes and polymerization methods using those complexes

Abstract

The instant invention provides a late transition metal complex which can be used with an activating cocatalyst to produce polymers and copolymers. The invention also provides methods for polymerizing olefins, as well as copolymers having polar monomers incorporated therein. More specifically, the invention provides a composition having the formula LMXZ, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag and Au; X is selected from the group consisting of halide, hydride, triflate, acetate, borate, Cthrough Calkyl, Cthrough Calkoxy, Cthrough Ccycloalkyl, Cthrough Ccycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolate, nitrate, sulfate, nitrile, hydroxide and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert; Z is selected from the group consisting of halide, hydride, triflate, acetate, borate, Cthrough Calkyl, Cthrough Calkoxy, Cthrough Ccycloalkyl, Cthrough Ccycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolate, carbon monoxide, nitrate, nitrile, hydroxide, sulfate, olefins, water, any other neutral coordinating ligand and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert; n equals 0, 1 or 2; and L is a multi-dentate nitrogen-containing ligand.