Catalyst systems contain metal-ligand complexes according to formula (I): In formula (I), M is Ti, Zr, of Hf; n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; m is 1 or 2; each R.sup.1 and each R.sup.2 is independently chosen from (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)hydrocarbyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)heterohydrocarbyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)aryl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)heteroaryl, halogen, and H; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are optionally covalently linked to each other; and each R.sup.3 is a hydrocarbon or heterohydrocarbon radical having an identity depending on the value of subscript m. The metal-ligand complexes may be incorporated as procatalysts in catalyst systems for polyolefin polymerization.

##STR00001##

Catalyst systems contain metal-ligand complexes according to formula (I): In formula (I), M is Ti, Zr, of Hf; n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; m is 1 or 2; each R.sup.1 and each R.sup.2 is independently chosen from (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)hydrocarbyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)heterohydrocarbyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)aryl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.40)heteroaryl, halogen, and H; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are optionally covalently linked to each other; and each R.sup.3 is a hydrocarbon or heterohydrocarbon radical having an identity depending on the value of subscript m. The metal-ligand complexes may be incorporated as procatalysts in catalyst systems for polyolefin polymerization.

##STR00001##

Provided in this disclosure are organometallic complexes that contain i) a metal atom selected from Hf and Zr; 2) a phosphinimine ligand; 3) an amido-ether ligand and at least one other ancillary ligand. The use of such a complex, in combination with an activator, as an olefin polymerization catalyst is demonstrated. The catalysts are effective for the copolymerization of ethylene with an alpha olefin (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene) and enable the production of high molecular weight copolymers (Mw greater than 25,000) with good comonomer incorporation at high productivity.

Provided in this disclosure are organometallic complexes that contain i) a metal atom selected from Hf and Zr; 2) a phosphinimine ligand; 3) an amido-ether ligand and at least one other ancillary ligand. The use of such a complex, in combination with an activator, as an olefin polymerization catalyst is demonstrated. The catalysts are effective for the copolymerization of ethylene with an alpha olefin (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene) and enable the production of high molecular weight copolymers (Mw greater than 25,000) with good comonomer incorporation at high productivity.

High molecular weight elastomers, such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) polymers, are conventionally formulated with a post-polymerization oil extension to mitigate their high Mooney viscosity. Post-polymerization oil extension adds to processing costs and precludes use of polymerization facilities lacking oil extension capabilities. A low molecular weight polymer may be co-produced with a high molecular weight elastomer containing the same monomers, where the low molecular weight polymer may function in place of conventional oil extension. Polymerization methods may comprise: combining one or more olefinic monomers, a metallocene first catalyst component and a non-metallocene transition metal second catalyst component, and a solvent; and reacting the one or more olefinic monomers under solution polymerization conditions to form a polyolefin blend comprising first and second polyolefins having a bimodal molecular weight distribution. The non-metallocene second catalyst component may be a pyridylbisimine, quinolinyldiamido, pyridylamido, phenoxyimine, or bridged bi-aromatic complex.

High molecular weight elastomers, such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) polymers, are conventionally formulated with a post-polymerization oil extension to mitigate their high Mooney viscosity. Post-polymerization oil extension adds to processing costs and precludes use of polymerization facilities lacking oil extension capabilities. A low molecular weight polymer may be co-produced with a high molecular weight elastomer containing the same monomers, where the low molecular weight polymer may function in place of conventional oil extension. Polymerization methods may form a polyolefin blend comprising first and second polyolefins having a bimodal molecular weight distribution.

A preparation method of bimetallic catalysts based on anthracene frameworks and use thereof in olefin polymerization is reported. Anthrecene frameworks were introduced, heat resistance of the catalysts is improved, and by changing central metals and configurations of the frameworks, steric and electronic effects of the metal catalysts of this model can be adjusted and controlled conveniently, and polyolefin polymer materials of different structures and different properties can be prepared, the bimetallic catalyst can be used in ethylene homopolymerization for preparation of high density polyethylene, ethylene/1-octene copolymerization for preparation of polyolefin elastomers and ethylene/norbornene copolymerization for preparation of cycloolefin copolymers. The bimetallic catalyst based on anthracene frameworks can be used in olefin high temperature solution polymerization for preparing polyolefin elastomers and cycloolefin copolymers, the polyolefin elastomers obtained have molecular weights as high as M.sub.W=890 kg.Math.mol.sup.1, and the cycloolefin copolymers have copolymerization monomer insertion rates as high as 45 mol %.

A preparation method of bimetallic catalysts based on anthracene frameworks and use thereof in olefin polymerization is reported. Anthrecene frameworks were introduced, heat resistance of the catalysts is improved, and by changing central metals and configurations of the frameworks, steric and electronic effects of the metal catalysts of this model can be adjusted and controlled conveniently, and polyolefin polymer materials of different structures and different properties can be prepared, the bimetallic catalyst can be used in ethylene homopolymerization for preparation of high density polyethylene, ethylene/1-octene copolymerization for preparation of polyolefin elastomers and ethylene/norbornene copolymerization for preparation of cycloolefin copolymers. The bimetallic catalyst based on anthracene frameworks can be used in olefin high temperature solution polymerization for preparing polyolefin elastomers and cycloolefin copolymers, the polyolefin elastomers obtained have molecular weights as high as M.sub.W=890 kg.Math.mol.sup.1, and the cycloolefin copolymers have copolymerization monomer insertion rates as high as 45 mol %.