Ziegler-Natta catalysis: 5. A molecular weight investigation

Molecular weight relationships in the polymerization of 4-methylpentene-1 by the Ziegler-Natta system VCl 3 AlR 3 have been examined at 30°C and 40°C. The dependence of the number-average degree of polymerization on the concentration of metal halide, aluminium alkyl concentration, monomer concentration, temperature, and nature of the aluminium alkyl has been established. The results have been examined in relation to a previously described kinetic scheme, and the rate constant for chain transfer with adsorbed monomer has been evaluated.