How does titanium contribute to Ziegler-Natta catalysis?
The Ziegler-Natta catalyst, typically a combination of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) and an organoaluminum compound, revolutionized the polymer industry by enabling the production of stereoregular polymers. Titanium's ability to form multiple stable oxidation states allows for the precise control of polymer chain growth, resulting in polymers with specific molecular weights and structures.