New palladium-based catalysts from Russia promise polymers with heterogeneous composition
A breakthrough described by the RNF press service introduces palladium-organic catalysts that enable the synthesis of polymers with varied composition. Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions or make them possible without being consumed themselves. Often these catalysts are metal centers surrounded by organic stabilizing molecules called ligands.
Researchers from the AV Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis of the Russian Academy of Sciences collaborated with colleagues from other universities to develop a novel catalyst for polymer creation. The system centers on palladium ions encircled by ligand groups. A nitrogen-containing ligand acts like a protective umbrella over the palladium, helping the complex resist oxygen and moisture. The complex uses mobile ligands whose role can be played by the solvent or carbon monoxide molecules. These ligands detach from the palladium at the right moment, allowing a monomer to approach the metal center and then link with other monomers to form long polymer chains.
During their work, the scientists prepared eleven closely related compounds by tweaking fragments within the catalyst structure. This approach enabled fine control over the catalysts’ properties. All resulting complexes functioned without the need for additional cocatalysts. The catalysts showed high activity, enabling economical use of each compound, and the polymerization efficiency reached up to a remarkable 94 percent.
The team believes this technology could lower production costs, improve polymer quality, and reduce raw material consumption. These advantages would be meaningful for industries that rely on precise polymer architectures and large-scale synthesis, potentially expanding access to advanced materials in North America and beyond. The implications extend to fields such as packaging, coatings, electronics, and specialty plastics, where controlled polymer composition can deliver targeted performance.
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References: information based on the RNF press service. (RNF)