Analysis of models for the ziegler-natta stereospecific polymerization on the basis of non-bonded interactions at the catalytic site—II: Edges,steps and reliefs on the surface of layered modifications of TiCl3

The computations performed in a previous paper for hypothetical structures of the site active in the polymerization of olefins at the (110) surfaces of TiCl₃-α are extended to edges, steps and reliefs on (111) surfaces of all the layered modifications of TiCl₃. Our computations suggest that edges, steps and reliefs of all the layered modifications of TiCl₃ should behave similarly in providing active sites; polymerization should occur on these more exposed sites because of the much lower activation energies than for plain surfaces. A unique general model emerges: lower steric repulsions appear to be implied for a coordination of the polymeric chain on the more hindered octahedral position at a titanium atom and this, in turn, causes a chiral orientation of the first carbon-carbon bond of the chain. This orientation may be the main factor in determining the stereospecificity.