Question

Write the name of catalyst used in preparation of HDP.

Hint:

Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 for this discovery, as it revolutionized the plastics industry.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
High-Density Polyethylene (HDP) is produced under low pressure and temperature compared to Low-Density Polyethylene (LDP), requiring a specialized coordination catalyst.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
HDP is synthesized by the polymerization of ethene in a hydrocarbon solvent at \(333-343 \text{ K}\) and \(6-7 \text{ atm}\) pressure.
The catalyst used is the Ziegler-Natta catalyst, which is a mixture of Triethylaluminium (\(Al(C_2H_5)_3\)) and Titanium tetrachloride (\(TiCl_4\)).
This catalyst allows for the formation of linear, closely packed polymer chains.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The catalyst is the Ziegler-Natta catalyst.