🥼organic chemistry review

Ziegler–Natta catalysts

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Ziegler–Natta catalysts are a class of catalysts used in the synthesis of stereoregular polymers from alkenes, allowing control over the polymer's molecular structure and thus its properties. These catalysts enable the precise arrangement of monomer units during polymerization, leading to materials with specific characteristics.

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