POLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLONITRILE WITH ORGANOLANTHANIDES AS SINGLE-COMPONENT CATALYSTS

 Ind₂Y(μ-Et)₂AlEt₂ and Ind₂LnN(i-Pr)₂ (Ln = Y, Yb) were used as a single-component catalyst for the polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) respectively. The regularity of polymerization of AN and stereoregularity of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were also studied in both cases. Both catalysts can produce PAN with molecular weight from I0,000to 30,000. In addition, the catalytic activity and molecular weights were increased by the addition of PhONa.