Solubility and activity of a phosphinosulfonate palladium catalyst in water with different surfactants

Abstract

Water-soluble phosphinosulfonate palladium complexes were synthesized by coordination of a surfactant to the metal center. The ethylene polymerization activity of the corresponding catalyst was probed. The surfactant and pH of the solution are shown to influence the activity. A phosphated surfactant resulted in polymerization with the highest activity and stability.