Controlled Polymerization of Isoprene with Chromium-Based Metal-Organic Framework Catalysts: Switching from Cyclic to cis-1,4-Selectivity Depending on Activator

Chromium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) Cr-MIL-100/101 activated by activator and aluminum trialkyl compound serve as unique, highly efficient heterogeneous single-site catalysts for the controlled polymerization of isoprene, which not only exhibit quasi-living nature in isoprene polymerization but also unprecedentedly switch from cyclic to cis-1,4-selectivity depending on the activator used to yield low molecular weight cyclic PIPs or extremely high molecular weight cis-1,4-PIPs. Such heterogeneous Cr-MOF catalysts can be recycled approximately five times. Based on nitrogen sorption isotherm tests and powder X-ray diffraction, a cationic mechanism is suggested, in which the polymerization takes place inside the open nanochannels of MOF catalysts and the space confinement effect of narrow open nanochannels originated from the coordination of PhNMe₂ from activator [PhNHMe₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] with the multiple metal centers of MOF catalysts might give a rational explanation for such controlled adjustment on the PIP's structure and properties.