Development of new methods for the production of highly reactive polyisobutenes

Nitrile ligated transition metal complexes bearing polyfluorinated tetra(aryl)borates as counter anions are highly active mediators for isobutene polymerization. Nevertheless, the methods by which these compounds are synthesized are too inefficient for widespread use in applied research and industry. Additionally, the exact reaction mechanism, in particular the initiating step, is not proven beyond doubt.

Accordingly, the focus of this thesis was set on three different domains: a) the development of improved synthetic pathways for known and novel nitrile ligated transition metal complexes with weakly coordinating anions (WCAs), b) the generation of a concept for the immobilization of these complexes which keeps them active for isobutene polymerization and c) shedding light on the mechanism of the polymerization of isobutene for the design of potentially more active mediators.