Abstract:
A catalyst is disclosed for the polymerization and co-polymerization of olefins with functionalized monomers. The catalyst is formed from a combination of two neutral metal complexes, L( i Pr 2 )M(CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) [L=N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)propanamide] and M(COD) 2  (COD=cyclooctadiene). The catalyst displays a unique mode of action and performs at ambient conditions producing high molecular weight polyolefins and co-polymers with functional groups. The polymerized olefins include ethylene, α-olefins and functionalized olefins.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 10/377,491, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,214, which was filed on Feb. 28, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In the last few years several catalysts have been reported for olefin polymerization. The polymerization catalysts reported by Brookhart perform in the presence of methylaluminoxanes and Lewis acids (See reference 1). Several patents have been filed based on these catalysts, (See WO09623010 and references therein). These catalyst systems are thermally unstable and the activity of the methylaluminoxane activated catalysts decays rapidly at 60° C. (See reference 2), and the borane activated catalysts are decomposed at room temperature (See reference 3). Another type of catalyst are those reported by Younkin et al., (See reference 4). These are neutral species that do not require an activator. However, they are prone to an induction period and lower activity compared with the cationic Brookhart systems. PCT application WO01/92348 describes the polymerization of ethylene and the co-polymerization of ethylene using zwitterionic nickel complexes that require the presence of a Lewis acid. Lewis Acids are deactivated by functionalities and they promote unwanted secondary reactions, e.g., chain transfer, which are detrimental to the polymer chain growth. Despite enormous development observed in the area of ethylene polymerization over the last few decades, co-polymerization of ethylene with functional co-monomers has received very little attention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention fulfills the need for a method of both ethylene homo-polymerization and co-polymerization of ethylene with functional co-monomers using Group VIII transition metals of the periodic table, instead of the commonly used Group IV metals. The present invention found the late transition metals were more tolerant toward functional groups than the early transition metals. 
     The present invention provides a catalyst formed from a combination of two neutral metal complexes, e.g., L( i Pr 2 )Ni(CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) [L=N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)propanamide] and Ni(COD) 2  (COD=cyclooctadiene). The catalyst displays a unique mode of action and performs at ambient conditions producing high molecular weight polyolefins and co-polymers with functional groups. The new catalysts provide a convenient route to polyolefin materials with enhanced properties of interest, such as hydrophilicity, thereby significantly increasing the utility of these materials for various commercial purposes. 
     In one embodiment, the present application discloses the synthesis of a nickel catalyst. The catalyst is formed from a combination of two neutral nickel compounds, for the homo-polymerization of olefins such as ethylene, α-olefins and functionalized olefins. The present invention also discloses co-polymerization of olefins with functionalized monomers with functionalities such as alcohols (preferably, 5-norbornen-2-ol) and acetates (preferably, 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate). Additional functionalities include olefins with cyano, keto, alkyl/aryl halides, nitro and sulfanate groups. 
     The catalyst of the present invention comprises any combination of two neutral metal complexes of the general formulas (I-IV) shown below. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     wherein: 
     M is a Group VIII transition metal such Ni, Pt, or Pd; 
     A is a π-allyl, substituted π-allyl, π-benzyl, or substituted π-benzyl; 
     X is N or P; 
     Y is O, CH 2 , or S; 
     L is N or P or a structure that is capable of forming a neutral two electron donor ligand; 
     L 1  is a neutral monodentate ligand which may be displaced by the olefin, and L 2  is an monoanionic monodentate ligand, or L 1  and L 2  taken together are a monoanionic bidentate ligand, provided that the monoanionic monodentate ligand or the monoanionic bidentate ligand may add to the olefin; 
     B is an atom or group of atoms connecting covalently the unsaturated carbon and L; 
                  represents a single or double bond;
     R 1 , R 2 , R 3A  and R 3B  are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl bearing functional group, or other hydrocarbyl group; and 
     R 3B  is nothing when B is connected to L by a double bond. 
     In another embodiment, M is nickel. 
     In another embodiment, R 1  and R 3A  are (2,6-diisopropylphenyl); R 2  is methyl; R 3B  is nothing; X and L are nitrogen; Y is oxygen; B is carbon; L 1  is CH 2 Ph;             is a double bond; and L 2  is PMe 3 .
     In another embodiment, the present invention discloses a process for the polymerization and co-polymerization of an olefin wherein the olefin is selected from one or more of R 4 CH═CH 2 , cyclopentene, a styrene, a norbornene, or polar olefins such as H 2 C═CR 5 (CH 2 ) S CO 2 R 6 , substituted cyclopentene, styrene, norbornene derivatives bearing functional groups or other hydrocarbyl groups, in the presence of a catalyst derived from a combination of two neutral nickel complexes, at a temperature of about −100° C. to about 200° C. R 4 , R 5  and R 6  are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl group, substituted hydrocarbyl bearing functional groups, or other hydrocarbyl groups and s is an integer from 0 to 100. 
     In a further embodiment, the present invention discloses novel polyolefinic products obtained by the co-polymerizations of ethylene with 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate and of ethylene with 5-norbornen-2-yl alcohol. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a graphical representation of an embodiment of the present invention showing the molecular weight distributions of polyethylene polymers of Examples 1; 2, 3, and 5; 
         FIG. 2  is a graphical representation of an embodiment of the present invention showing the molecular weight distributions of polyethylene polymers of Examples 7, 8, and 9A; 
         FIG. 3  is a three-dimensional Gel Permeation Chromatography Furrier transform (GPC-FTIR) chromatogram of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer of Example 10; 
         FIG. 4  is a GPC-IR chromatogram showing a constant molecular composition versus molecular weight by monitoring of the hydroxyl O—H stretching peak (3620 cm −1 ) to that of the C—H stretching peak (2927 cm −1 ) of Example 10; 
         FIG. 5  is a graphical representation of an embodiment of the present invention showing the molecular weight distributions of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymers of Examples 10, 11, and 12; 
         FIG. 6  is a three-dimensional GPC-FTIR chromatogram of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer of Example 12; 
         FIG. 7  is a GPC-IR chromatogram showing a constant ratio with time of—hydroxyl O—H stretching peak (3620 cm −1 ) to that of the C—H stretching peak (2927 cm −1 ) of Example 12; 
         FIG. 8  is a graphical representation of an embodiment of the present invention showing the molecular weight distributions of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymers of Examples 17 and 18; 
         FIG. 9  is a graph showing the profile of the catalyst activity over time of Example 7; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic of the synthesis of a high molecular weight ester-functionalized polyethylene polymer, using 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate as a co-monomer; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic of the synthesis of a high molecular weight ester-functionalized polyethylene polymer, using 5-norbornen-2-ol as a co-monomer; 
         FIGS. 12   a - c  are contact angle measurements of water droplets on different polymer films: polyethylene film ( FIG. 12   a ); ethylene/5-norbornen-2-acetate film ( FIG. 12   b ); and ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol film ( FIG. 12   c ) of Example 22; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic representation of the catalyst; and 
         FIG. 14  is a graph showing the GPC traces for the polyethylene polymers produced by the catalyst let to age over time of Example 9. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     All examples were performed under an inert atmosphere using standard glove box and Schlenk techniques. Solvents for syntheses like toluene, THF, hexane and pentane were distilled from benzophenone ketyl as required. All polymerization reactions were carried out in a glass reactor as described previously (See reference 5). Toluene for polymerization runs was distilled from sodium/potassium alloy.  FIG. 13  shows a schematic of the catalyst L( i Pr 2 )Ni(CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) [L=N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)propanamide] (See reference 5) and Ni(COD) 2  (See reference 6) were synthesized as reported and purified by re-crystallization prior to polymerization use. NMR spectra were obtained using a Varian Unity 400 or 500 spectrometers.  1 H NMR and the  13 C NMR spectra of the polymers were obtained in mixed solvent (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene 1:4 ratio in volume) at about 115° C. and (C 6 D 6 /o-dichlorobenzene about 7% v/v for polyethylene polymer and about 9% v/v for the copolymers) at about 120° C. GPC analyses were done at Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation., Japan, in o-dichlorobenzene in about 135° C. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 10 μmol; 0.500 g of 17.3 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 24.45 g) such that the final volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 0.509 g of polyethylene polymer. The activity of the catalyst was about 280 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.21×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.5. DSC Analysis: T m =about 126.0° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 11.9 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. A molecular weight distribution trace of polyethylene polymers is shown in  FIG. 1 . A unimodal distribution was observed for all polymers examined. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 25 μmol; 1.25 g of 17.3 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 23.7 g), such that the final volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and taken out. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 1.213 g of polyethylene polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst was about 446 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.51×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.3. DSC Analysis: T m =about 125.3° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 18.5 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene obtained is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.5 g of 17.3 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 22.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 1.255 g of polyethylene polymer. The activity of the catalyst was about 454 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.55×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.4. DSC Analysis: T m =about 125.4° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 17.4 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene polymer is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with Ni(COD) 2  (about 10 μmol; 0.5 g of 17.3 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 25.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. No consumption of ethylene was observed. 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 100 μmol; 5 g of 17.3 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 19.95 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 1.317 g of polyethylene polymer. The activity of the catalyst was about 484 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.67×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.3. DSC Analysis: T m =about 125.2° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 19.3 methyl branching branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene polymer is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     EXAMPLE 6 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 24.95 g), such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and taken out. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. No polymerization was observed. 
     EXAMPLE 7 
     In order to ascertain the lifetime of the catalyst, an ethylene polymerization run was carried out with prolonged reaction time. The catalyst was found to active even after about 3 hours. A profile of the activity of the catalyst with time is shown in  FIG. 9 . A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 25 μmol; 1.25 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 23.7 g), such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 190 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 4.463 g of polyethylene polymer. The activity of the catalyst was about 139 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: The molecular weight of the polyethylene polymer was verified by two different methods and the results are in close agreement with each other. Refractive Index GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 4.06×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.8. IR GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 3.87×10 5 , M w /M n =about 2.1. DSC Analysis: T m =about 124.1° C.  13 C NMR (C 6 D 6 /o-dichlorobenzene): 9.5 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons; 0.8 ethyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons; 0.2 butyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons and 0.4 hexyl (and longer) branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene is shown in  FIG. 2 . A narrow unimodal distribution was observed in all cases. 
     EXAMPLE 8 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.5 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 21.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 3.608 g of polyethylene polymer. The activity of the catalyst was about 457 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: The molecular weight of the polyethylene polymer was verified by two different methods and the results are in close agreement with each other. Refractive Index GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =&lt;1.8×10 5 . IR GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.77×10 5 , M w /M n =about 2.4. DSC Analysis: T m =about 119.6° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 66.4 methyl branching branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene polymer is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     EXAMPLE 9 
     An experiment was performed to study the polymerization efficiency of the active species formed from the catalyst precursors, L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) and Ni(COD) 2 , as a function of time. Specifically in this experiment, the active species was formed by combining the solutions of L( i Pr 2 )Ni(CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) and Ni(COD) 2 . Half of the solution was used for ethylene polymerization instantly while the other half was stored in the dark at about room temperature and was used for ethylene polymerization after about 5 hours. 
     A. At zero mixing time: A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 25 μmol; 1.25 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene) and toluene (about 23.7 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and taken out. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 1.234 g of polyethylene polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst was about 454 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.43×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.4. DSC Analysis: T m =about 126.2° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 16.0 methyl branching branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene polymer is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 14 . 
     B. At about 5 hours mixing time: A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 10 μmol; 1 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene) and Ni(COD) 2  (about 25 μmol; 1.25 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene) and rest toluene (about 23.7 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and taken out. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 0.663 g of polyethylene polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst was about 302 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.06×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.4. DSC Analysis: T m =about 128.7° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 5.2 methyl branching branches per 1000 methylene carbons. The molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene polymer is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     The activity of the catalyst (about 454 kg mol −1  h −1 ) of the initial run was significantly higher than the run recorded after about 5 hours (about 302 kg mol −1  h −1 ). Similarly, the molecular weight of the polyethylene produced in case of the initial run (M w =about 1.43×10 5 ; M w /M n =about 1.4) was considerably higher than that of the run obtained after about 5 hours (M w =about 1.06×10 5 ; M w /M n =about 1.4) ( FIG. 14 ). 
     EXAMPLE 10 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.5 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-ol (about 4.49 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.30 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL.  FIG. 11  shows this synthesis. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 0.518 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 105 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: The molecular weight of the polyethylene polymer was verified by two different methods and the results are in close agreement with each other. Refractive Index GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 3.75×10 4 , M w /M n =about 1.3. IR GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 2.56×10 4 , M w /M n =about 2.0. DSC Analysis: T m =about 72.9° C. (broad peak).  13 C NMR (C 6 D 6 /o-dichlorobenzene, about 120° C.): 2.9 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 15.8% incorporation of norbornyl group. 
     A three-dimensional GPC-FTIR chromatogram of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer showing the presence of hydroxyl functionality with the —(CH 2 ) n — group of the polymer backbone is shown in  FIG. 3 . GPC is used as an analytical procedure for separating molecules by their difference in size and to obtain molecular weight averages (Mw, Mn) or information on the molecular weight distribution of polymers. The technique is well known and described, for instance, see Reference 7. 
     The composition of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer was found to be uniform throughout the polymer chain as seen from a constant ratio observed for the hydroxyl O—H stretching peak (3620 cm −1 ) to that of the C—H stretching peak (2927 cm −1 ) versus time, as shown in  FIG. 4 . A molecular weight distribution trace of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymers is shown in  FIG. 5 . A narrow, monomodal, distribution was observed in all cases. 
     EXAMPLE 11 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-ol (about 4.49 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.30 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction provided about 0.508 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 124 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: The molecular weight of the polyethylene polymer was verified by two different methods and the results are in close agreement with each other. Refractive Index GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 5.47×10 4 , M w /M n =about 1.3. IR GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 3.01×10 4 , M w /M n =about 1.9. DSC Analysis: T m =about 67.9° C. (broad peak).  13 C NMR (C 6 D 6 /o-dichlorobenzene, about 120° C.): 3.8 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 15.9% incorporation of norbornenyl group. The endo/exo ratio was about 69:25. The molecular weight distribution of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     EXAMPLE 12 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-ol (about 0.91 mmol; 3.00 g of 0.26 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and taken out. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 0.102 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 88 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: The molecular weight of the polyethylene polymer was verified by two different methods and the results are in close agreement with each other. Refractive Index GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 2.09×10 4 , M w /M n =about 1.9. IR GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.90×10 4 , M w /M n =about 1.9. DSC Analysis: T m =about 87.9° C. (broad peak).  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 35.3 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 4.7% incorporation of norbornyl group. 
     A three-dimensional Fourier transform GPC-IR chromatogram showing a constant ratio of the hydroxyl functionality versus the —(CH 2 ) n — group of the polymer backbone is shown in  FIG. 6 . The composition of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer was found to be uniform throughout the polymer chain, as seen from the constant ratio of the hydroxyl O—H stretching peak (3620 cm −1 ) relative that of the C—H stretching peak (2927 cm −1 ) versus time, as seen in  FIG. 7 . The molecular weight distribution of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     EXAMPLE 13 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr2)Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-ol (about 9.12 mmol; 3.00 g of 2.63 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 0.498 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 86 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: IR GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.38×10 4 , M w /M n =about 2.9. DSC Analysis: T m =about 87.8° C. (broad peak).  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 55.3 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 18.5% incorporation of norbornenyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 14 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-ol (about 4.49 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.30 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 400 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 120 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 0.831 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 20 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: RI GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 6.89×10 4 , M w /M n =about 3.1. DSC Analysis: T m =broad glass transition.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 18.8 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 18.5% incorporation of norbornenyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 15 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-ol (about 1.99 mmol; 3.00 g of 0.578 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 1.14 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 156 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: RI GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 8.68×10 4 , M w /M n =about 3.9. DSC Analysis: T m =about 100.5° C. (broad peak).  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 20.4 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 13.5% incorporation of norbornenyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 16 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-Norbornen-2-ol (about 3.99 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.15 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 20 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. The reaction produced about 0.619 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 118 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: RI GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 6.57×10 4 , M w /M n =about 1.4. DSC Analysis: T m =broad glass transition.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 31.4 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 12.5% incorporation of norbornenyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 17 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate (about 4.50 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.30 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL.  FIG. 10  shows the synthesis. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 160 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 2.298 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 23 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.58×10 5 , M w /M n =about 2.1. DSC Analysis: T m =about 98.7° C. (broad peak).  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 14.4 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 6.2% incorporation of norbornenyl group. A molecular weight distribution graph of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymers is shown in  FIG. 8 . A uni-modal distribution is observed in all cases. 
     EXAMPLE 18 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate (about 4.50 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.30 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 130 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 1.027 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 30 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.48×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.7. DSC Analysis: T m =broad glass transition.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 10.6 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 12.6% incorporation of norbornenyl group. Molecular weight distribution of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     EXAMPLE 19 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate (about 4.49 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.30 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the toluene solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 120 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 1.548 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 30 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.59×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.7. DSC Analysis: T m =about 90.8° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 16.5 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 9.2% incorporation of norbornyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 20 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate (about 4.49 mmol; 3.00 g of 1.29 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 116 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 2.070 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 41 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: RI GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.81×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.8. DSC Analysis: T m =about 100.7° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 15.4 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 8.1% incorporation of norbornenyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 21 
     A glass reactor was loaded inside a glove box with L( i Pr 2 )Ni(η 1 -CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) (about 20 μmol; 2.00 g of 8.77 mM solution in toluene), Ni(COD) 2  (about 50 μmol; 2.50 g of 17.6 mM solution in toluene), 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate (about 1.79 mmol; 3.00 g of 0.517 M solution in toluene) and toluene (about 18.45 g) such that the total volume of the solution was about 30 mL. The glass reactor was sealed inside the glove box and was attached to a vacuum/nitrogen line manifold. Ethylene was fed continuously into the reactor at about 100 psi and the pressurized reaction mixture was stirred at about 20° C. Ethylene was vented after about 60 minutes and acetone was added to quench the polymerization. The precipitated polymer was collected by filtration and dried under high vacuum overnight. About 2.373 g of ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer was obtained. The activity of the catalyst with respect to ethylene consumption was about 70 kg mol −1  h −1 . 
     Polymer Characterization: RI GPC Analysis (o-dichlorobenzene, about 135° C.): M w =about 1.66×10 5 , M w /M n =about 1.7. DSC Analysis: T m =about 108.7° C.  1 H NMR (C 6 D 6 /1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, about 115° C.): 13.3 methyl branches per 1000 methylene carbons. About 3.7% incorporation of norbornenyl group. 
     EXAMPLE 22 
     The effect of functionality incorporation on the hydrophobicity of films made with the new copolymers was probed by contact angle measurements, see  FIGS. 12   a - c . Specifically, thin films of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer ( FIG. 12   b ), the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer ( FIG. 12   c ) and the polyethylene polymer ( FIG. 12   a ) were prepared on glass slides and the contact angle measurements of water droplets on these thin films were done. The increased hydrophilic nature of the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer and the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer, relative to polyethylene, was noted on the respective contact angles. The average advancing contact angles for the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymer [about 100(4)°] and the ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymer [about 101(4)°] were significantly lower (by about 25°) than that of the polyethylene [about 124(4)°]. 
     EXAMPLE 23 
     Detailed concentration dependence studies were performed for ethylene co-polymerization with functional monomers. Table 4 summarizes results obtained for ethylene co-polymerization with 5-norbornen-2-ol while Table 5 summarizes ethylene co-polymerization with 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Norbornenyl 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 alcohol 
                   
                   
                   
                 Incorp. 
                 Branching 
               
               
                 (M) 
                 M w   
                 M n   
                 M w /M n   
                 (%) 
                 (%) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 0.03 
                 2.09 × 10 4   
                 1.10 × 10 4   
                 1.9 
                 5 
                 3 
               
               
                 0.07 
                 8.68 × 10 4   
                 2.20 × 10 4   
                 3.9 
                 14 
                 2 
               
               
                 0.13 
                 6.57 × 10 4   
                 4.70 × 10 4   
                 1.4 
                 13 
                 3 
               
               
                 0.15 
                 3.75 × 10 4   
                 3.00 × 10 4   
                 1.3 
                 16 
                 1 
               
               
                 0.15 
                 5.47 × 10 4   
                 4.30 × 10 4   
                 1.3 
                 16 
                 1 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 1.38 × 10 4   
                 4.70 × 10 3   
                 2.9 
                 19 
                 5 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Table 1 shows ethylene/5-norbornen-2-ol co-polymerization by L( i Pr 2 )Ni(CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) and Ni(COD) 2  complexes as a function of 5-norbornen-2-ol concentration at about 0.68 mM Ni catalyst concentration, about 1.70 mM Ni(COD) 2  concentration, about 100 psi ethylene pressure, about 20° C. temperature and about 20 minutes reaction time. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Norbornenyl 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 acetate 
                   
                   
                   
                 Incorp. 
                 Branching 
               
               
                 (M) 
                 M w   
                 M n   
                 M w /M n   
                 (%) 
                 (%) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 0.06 
                 1.66 × 10 5   
                 9.40 × 10 4   
                 1.7 
                 4 
                 1 
               
               
                 0.10 
                 1.53 × 10 5   
                 9.50 × 10 4   
                 1.6 
                 4 
                 1 
               
               
                 0.15 
                 1.08 × 10 5   
                 8.00 × 10 4   
                 1.4 
                 10 
                 3 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Table 2 shows ethylene/5-norbornen-2-yl acetate co-polymerization by L( i Pr 2 )Ni(CH 2 Ph)(PMe 3 ) and Ni(COD) 2  complexes as a function of 5-norbornen-2-yl acetate concentration at about 0.68 mM Ni catalyst concentration, about 1.70 mM Ni(COD) 2  concentration, about 100 psi ethylene pressure, about 20° C. temperature and about 60 minutes reaction time. 
     REFERENCES 
     The following references are hereby incorporated by reference: 1. Ittel, S. D., Johnson, L. K., Brookhart, M.  Chem. Rev.  2000, 100, 1169 (and references therein); 2. Gates, D. P., Svejda, S., Onate, E., Killian, C. M., Johnson, L. K., White, P. S., Brookhart, M.  Macromolecules,  2000, 33, 2320; 3. Svejda, S. A., Johnson, L. K., Brookhart, M.  J. Am. Chem. Soc.  1999, 121, 10634; 4. Younkin, T.; Connor, E. F.; Henderson, J. I.; Friedrich, s. K.; Grubbs, R. H.; Bansleben, D. A.  Science,  2000, 287, 460; WO 9842664.; WO 9842665; 5. Lee, B. Y.; Bazan, G. C.; Vela, J.; Komon, Z. J. A.; Bu, X.  J. Am. Chem. Soc.  2001, 123, 5352; 6. Schunn, R. A.; Ittel, S. D.; Cushing, M. A.  Inorg. Synth.  1990, 28, 94; and 7. W. W. Yan et al., “Modern Size—Exclusion Liquid Chromatography” J. Wiley &amp; Sons, N.Y., USA, pages 4-8, 249-283 and 315-340 (1979). 
     These and other changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. While for the sake of clarity and ease of description, several specific embodiments of the invention have been described; the scope of the invention is intended to be measured by the claims as set forth below. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Other variations of the invention will be apparent in light of the disclosure and practice of the invention to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention applies.