Patents by Inventor T. Don Tilley

T. Don Tilley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • First row metal-based catalysts for hydosilylation
    Patent number: 9458185
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides phosphine ligand supported first row metal catalysts with surprising and efficacious catalytic activity for hydrosilylation of pi-bonded substrates. Also provided are methods of using the catalysts of the invention to prepare hydrosilylated compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: T. Don Tilley, Jian Yang
  • High molecular weight polystannanes by metal-catalyzed dehydropolymerization
    Patent number: 5488091
    Abstract: A method for coupling tin-containing molecules via a Sn--Sn bond is described. The invention employs dehydrocondensation to link the Sn atoms of two molecules to form tin dimers as well as novel high molecular weight organotin polymers. In a preferred embodiment, catenated tin polymers are formed from hydrostannane precursors in the presence of a suitable metal catalyst. A particularly preferred method involves coupling dialkylstannane monomers in the presence of a metallocene catalyst to form polystannanes. Preferred catalysts include electropositive metals, such as Zr and Hf. The polystannanes are photolabile, decomposing readily under room light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: T. Don Tilley, Toru Imori
  • High-molecular weight, silicon-containing polymers and methods for the preparation and use thereof
    Patent number: 5229481
    Abstract: Polymer materials are described, which are formed by polymerization of monomer mixtures containing at least one compound of the formula I(RH.sub.2 Si).sub.x A (I)wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl, substituted alkyl, unsubstituted aryl and substituted aryl; A is a polyvalent moiety; and x is 2-4. Methods for preparation of polymers derived from monomer mixtures consisting essentially of polyvalent polysilanes, as well as mixtures of polysilanes with monovalent monosilanes, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: T. Don Tilley
  • Dehydrogenative polymerization of silanes to polysilanes by catalysts of transition-metal silyl derivatives
    Patent number: 5087719
    Abstract: A mechanism for the dehydrogenative polymerization of silanes to polysilanes is proposed, based on studies with zirconocene and hafnocene catalysts. This is a new polymerization mechanism, based on metal-mediated step-growth of the polymer. Key features of the mechanism are: 1) Coordinatively unsaturated metal hydride species appear to be the active catalysts. 2) Other intermediates are polysilyl metal complexes M(SiHR).sub.n H and free polysilanes. 3) The proposed mechanism involves two types of .sigma.-bond methathesis reactions that proceed via four-center transition states. This proposal of a mechanism is based on model reactions and observation of intermediates. Chemistry relevant to the polymerization process suggests that silyl groups readily participate in .sigma.-bond methathesis reactions with d.sup.0 metal centers via four-center transition states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: T. Don Tilley, Hee-Gweon Woo