Paolo Ammendola

Stereospecific polymerization of α-olefins: End groups, polymer structure and reaction mechanism☆

Abstract In this paper are reviewed some topics concerning polymerization of α-olefins to either isotactic or syndiotactic polymers in the presence of both heterogeneous and homogeneous initiator systems. Isotactic polymerization of chiral α-olefins and isotactic and syndiotactic specific polymerization of styrene are also discussed. The evidence relating to reaction mechanisms which arises from the stereochemical structure of the polymers and especially of the end groups is considered particularly.