Ethylene polymerization using -Heterocyclic carbene complexes of silver and aluminum.

Various transition metal catalysts have been utilized for ethylene polymerization. Silver catalysts have attracted less attention as the catalysts, but are potential for production of high molecular weight polyethylene. Herein, we report that silver complexes with various -heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands in combination with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) afford polyethylene with high molecular weight (melting point over 140°C).