Stereochemistry of the initiation step in Ziegler-Natta catalysts containing dialkyl propane diethers: A tool for distinguishing the role of internal and external donors

The results of a study on a new generation of MgCl₂ supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts that contain dialkyl propane diethers as internal donors and produce highly stereospecific polypropene even without any external donor are presented. The results concerning three different catalysts containing 2,2-diisobutyl-1,3-dimethoxy propane (DIBDMP), 2,2-dicyclopentyl-1,3-dimethoxy propane (DCPDMP) and 2-ethyl,2-butyl-1,3-dimethoxy propane (EBDMP) as internal donors are compared. The same donors have also been studied by using them as external donors with a catalyst contaning diisobutyl phthalate as internal donor. The present results, along with previously obtained findings on traditional supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts, permit a general comprehension of the role of internal and external donors.