PF-4 / PF-41 Product Details | Borate-Based Metallocene Polymerisation Cocatalysts
- Metallocene Catalysts
This page introduces publicly available specifications, manufacturing capabilities, customisation options, and sample request procedures for AGC's PF-4 (borate-based metallocene polymerisation cocatalyst, anilinium-type) and PF-41 (TrB-type).
AGC Fine Chemicals welcomes enquiries and consultations regarding PF-4 and PF-41.
We can accommodate every stage — from preliminary discussions through to detailed technical consultations after NDA execution.
Product Overview
Leveraging its proprietary fluorine chemistry, AGC has been manufacturing PF (pentafluorophenyl borate) in-house for over 30 years. PF is a group of borate-based metallocene polymerisation cocatalysts used in polyolefin polymerisation. The representative anilinium-type is marketed as PF-4, while the triphenylcarbenium-type is marketed as PF-41.
All manufacturing is carried out at the domestic facility of AGC Wakasa Chemical Co., Ltd. (Fukui Prefecture, a wholly owned AGC subsidiary), ensuring a stable, domestically integrated supply chain. We can also meet the needs of customers considering supply chain diversification away from China.
For processes requiring solubility in hydrocarbon solvents, we offer the soluble borate sPF-09. We are also developing a proprietary series of novel sPF products in-house, so please feel free to enquire about your solubility and physical property requirements.
PF-4 / PF-41 (Borate-Based Metallocene Polymerisation Cocatalysts)
PF-4 (Anilinium-Type)
PF-4 is N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate. It is an anilinium-type cocatalyst in which the alkyl group of the metallocene catalyst undergoes ligand exchange with aniline to generate a cation, activating the catalyst for olefin polymerisation.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 118612-00-3 |
| Purity | ≥97% |
| Moisture | Max. 0.2% |
PF-41 (TrB-Type)
PF-41 is triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TrB). It is a TrB-type cocatalyst that abstracts the alkyl group from the metallocene complex, generating a cation that activates the catalyst.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 136040-19-2 |
| Purity | ≥97% |
| Moisture | Max. 0.5% |
PF-4 / PF-41 General Specification Comparison
| Item | PF-4 (Anilinium-Type) | PF-41 (TrB-Type) |
|---|---|---|
| CAS No. | 118612-00-3 | 136040-19-2 |
| Activation mechanism | Ligand exchange (alkyl group / aniline) | Alkyl group abstraction |
| Purity | ≥97% | ≥97% |
| Moisture | Max. 0.2% | Max. 0.5% |
Particle Size Options
Both PF-4 and PF-41 can be processed using a dry mill to achieve the desired particle size distribution upon request (numerical guarantees are not provided).
Soluble Borate — sPF Series
For solution-phase polymerisation processes requiring solubility in hydrocarbon solvents, we offer the sPF series of soluble borates. sPF-09 is a commercial product, while PF-42, sPF-32, and sPF-51 are developmental products.
| Solvent | PF-42 | sPF-09 | sPF-32 | sPF-51 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAS No. | 200644-82-2 | 462629-01-2 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Molecular weight | 1,195.0 | 1,278.2 | 1,638.7 | 1,334.3 |
| n-Hexane | Phase separation※ | Phase separation※ | Soluble | Phase separation※ |
| Isohexane | Phase separation※ | Phase separation※ | Soluble | NT |
| n-Heptane | Phase separation※ | NT | Soluble | NT |
| n-Octane | Phase separation※ | NT | Soluble | NT |
| ISOPAR E® | Phase separation※ | NT | Soluble | NT |
| Cyclohexane | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble |
| Methylcyclohexane (MCH) | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble |
| Decalin | Soluble | NT | Soluble | NT |
| Toluene | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble |
※ Solubility comparison by solvent (20 wt%)
※ Separation into a high-concentration layer and a low-concentration layer. NT = Not tested.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Supply Track Record
All PF-4 series products are manufactured entirely in Japan by AGC Wakasa Chemical Co., Ltd. (a wholly owned AGC subsidiary, established in 1998).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing site | Obama Plant (Obama City, Fukui Prefecture) |
| Manufacturing scale | Several kg to approx. 100 MT (depending on product and application) |
| Number of employees | 164 (as of end of 2025) |
| Sustainability certification | EcoVadis Gold · Together for Sustainability (TfS) |
| Supply track record | Over 30 years of continuous supply to customers worldwide |
Summary
AGC's PF-4 (anilinium-type) and PF-41 (TrB-type) are both borate-based metallocene polymerisation cocatalysts meeting standard specifications of purity ≥97% and low moisture content. For applications requiring solubility in hydrocarbon solvents, the sPF series is also available (commercial product: sPF-09). Our key strengths include over 30 years of domestic manufacturing at AGC Wakasa Chemical (Fukui Prefecture) and a flexible supply system capable of handling quantities from several kg up to 100 MT.
AGC Fine Chemicals welcomes enquiries and consultations regarding PF-4 and PF-41.
We can accommodate every stage — from preliminary discussions through to detailed technical consultations after NDA execution.