| abstract |
The invention provides a novel metal complex which, when used with an activating cocatalyst, provides a novel catalyst composition. The invention also provides a polymerization method which utilizes the catalyst composition to produce polymers and copolymers containing polar monomer groups. More specifically, the invention comprises a composition comprising the formula LMXZ n wherein X is selected from the group consisting of halides, hydride, triflate, acetates, borates, C 1 through C 12 alkyl, C 1 through C 12 alkoxy, C 3 through C 12 cycloalkyl, C 3 through C 12 cycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolates, carbon monoxide, cyanate, olefins, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert. M is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au. L is a nitrogen-containing bidentate ligand having more than two nitrogen atoms. Z is a neutral coordinating ligand and n equals 0, 1, or 2. |