Solvent-ligated transition metal complexes as initiators for the polymerization of isobutene

After a brief introduction of the history of polyisobutene and the description of an interesting commercial process, this article is focused on the mechanism of the isobutene initiation and propagation. Furthermore, the INIFER technique will be briefly discussed. Finally, it will be shown that polyisobutene with a high content of terminal olefinic groups can be synthesized by using transition metal complexes in homogeneous solution at room temperature. Mechanisms of the isobutene polymerization initiated by this new class of initiators will be suggested.