Synthesis, crystal structure and catalytic performance of bis(imino)pyridyl nickel complexes

Abstract

Two new Ni(II) complexes of 2,6-bis[1-(2,6-diethylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine (L¹), 2,6-bis[1-(4-methylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine (L² ) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex Ni(L¹)Cl₂ · CH₃CN (1), exhibits a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry, whereas complex Ni(L¹)(CH₃CN)Cl₂ (2), is six-coordinate with a geometry that can best be described as distorted octahedral. The catalytic activities of complexes 1, 2, Ni{2,6-bis[1-(2,6-diisopropyl-phenylimino)ethyl]pyridine} Cl₂ · CH₃CN (3), and Ni{2,6-bis[1-(2,6-dimethylphenylimino) ethyl]pyridine}Cl₂ · CH₃CN (4), for ethylene polymerization were studied under activation with MAO.

Keywords:

• bis(Imino)pyridyl nickel complexes
• Crystal structure
• Ethylene polymerization

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Development Program for Outstanding Young Teachers in Harbin Institute of Technology (HITQNJS. 2006. 029), Department of Education Foundation of Heilongjiang Province (10551335) and Harbin Science and Technology Bureau Foundation of China (2005AFXXJ034).