Discovery and Development of Pyridine-bis(imine) and Related Catalysts for Olefin Polymerization and Oligomerization

Stable CAAC-Triazenes: A New Nitrogen Ligand System With Donor and Conformational Flexibility, and With Application in Olefin Activation Catalysis

N-heterocyclic imines such as pyridylidene amines impart high catalytic activity when coordinated to a transition metal, largely imposed by their electronic flexibility. Here, this donor flexibility has been applied for the first time to CAAC-based systems through the synthesis of CAAC-triazenes. These new ligands offer a larger π-conjugation that extends from the N-heterocyclic carbene through three nitrogens rather than just one, as observed in N-heterocyclic imines. We demonstrate the straightforward synthesis of three new CAAC-triazenes containing different substituents on the terminal triazene nitrogen. These compounds are remarkably stable up to 120 °C without loss of N2 as typically observed with similar triazenes. E-to-Z isomerization within the triazene is instigated by UV light and is partially reversible dependent on the triazene substituent. The quinoline-substituted CAAC-triazene 1-Q has been applied as an L,L'-type ligand in the synthesis of [PdCl2(1-Q)], [PdCl(Me)(1-Q)] and [Pd(Me)(H2O(1-Q)]+. E-to-Z ligand isomerization also occurs when coordinated to PdCl2, providing access to on-metal manipulation. The cationic complex [PdMe(H2O)(1-Q)]+ is a precatalyst for oligomerization of ethylene to form initially 2-butene and subsequently linear and branched C8-C12 products from butene activation. Moreover, isomerization of 1-hexene takes place efficiently with exceptionally low catalyst loading (10 ppm) and up to 74,000 turnover numbers.

DFT Struggles to Predict the Energy Landscape for Iron Pyridine Diimine-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkenes: Insights into the Problem and Alternative Solutions

In recent years, noninnocent pyridine diimine (PDI) complexes featuring first-row transition metals have emerged as prominent catalysts, demonstrating efficacy in a diverse range of vital organometallic transformations. However, the inherent complexity of the fundamental reactivity paradigm in these systems arises from the presence of a noninnocent ligand and the multispin feasibility of 3d metals. While density functional theory (DFT) has been widely used to unravel mechanistic insights, its limitations as a single-reference method can potentially misrepresent spin-state energetics, compromising our understanding of these intricate systems. In this study, we employ extensive high-level ab initio state averaged-complete active space self-consistent field/N-electron valence state perturbation theory (SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2) calculations in combination with DFT to investigate an iron-PDI-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of alkenes. The transformation proceeds through two major steps: oxidative cyclization and reductive elimination. Contrary to the predictions of DFT calculations, which suggest two-state reactivity in the reaction and identify reductive elimination as the turnover-limiting step, SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2-corrected results unequivocally establish a single-state reactivity scenario with oxidative cyclization as the turnover-limiting step. SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2-based insights into electronic ground states and electron distribution elucidate the intriguing interactions between the PDI ligand and the iron center, revealing the highly multiconfigurational nature of these species and providing a precise depiction of metal-ligand cooperativity throughout the transformation. A comparative assessment of several widely recognized DFT functionals against SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2-corrected data indicates that single-point energy calculations using the modern density functional MN15 on TPSSh geometries offer the most reliable density functional methodology, in scenarios where SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2 computational cost is a consideration.

Ion-Conductive Metallo-Covalent Organic Frameworks Constructed with Tridentate Ligand and Zn Nodes

Metallo-covalent organic frameworks (metallo-COFs) are organometallic scaffolds in which covalently bonded organic frameworks are interwoven with metal-coordinated pendant groups. Unlike the rigid ligands traditionally used for metal coordination, the utilization of "soft" ligands allows for configurable topology and pore structure in metallo-COFs, particularly when the ligands are generated in situ during dynamic synthesis. In this study, we present the rational synthesis of metallo-COFs based on pyridine-2,6-diimine (pdi), wherein the incorporation of Zn2+ ions and in situ-generated tridentate ligands (pdi) yields metallo-COFs with a square-like lattice. In the absence of Zn2+ ions, a topological isomer COF with a Kagome lattice is instead produced. Thus, the presence or absence of Zn2+ ions allows us to switch between two distinct morphologies corresponding to metallo-COF or COF. In comparison to Brønsted acid-catalyzed COF, which necessitates postmetallization for loading metal ions, the metal-templated COF synthesis method yields COFs with improved crystallinity and approximately 1:1 [Zn2+]/ligand composition. Building upon the metal-templated COF synthesis approach, we successfully synthesized pdiCOF-Zn-2 and pdiCOF-Zn-3, which possess square-like and honeycomb lattices, respectively. The enhanced crystallinity and near 1:1 [Zn2+]/ligand composition of pdiCOF-Zn-3 (honeycomb) facilitate its application as ion transport channels.

CS-Symmetric Pyridine(diimine) Iron Methyl Complexes for Catalytic [2+2] Cycloaddition and Hydrovinylation: Metallacycle Geometry Determines Selectivity

A series of C_S-symmetric (aryl,alkyl)-substituted pyridine(dimine) iron methyl (^CyA^RPDI)FeCH₃ complexes have been prepared, characterized, and evaluated as precatalysts for the [2+2]-cycloaddition of butadiene and ethylene. Mixtures of vinylcyclobutane and (Z)-hexa-1,4-diene were observed in each case. By comparison, C_2v-symmetric, arylated (PDI) iron catalysts are exclusively selective for reversible [2+2]-cycloaddition to yield vinylcyclobutane. The alteration in the chemoselectivity of the catalytic reaction was investigated through a combination of precatalyst stability studies, identification of catalytic resting state(s), and ²H and ¹³C isotopic labeling experiments. While replacement of an aryl-imine substituent with an N-alkyl group decreases the stability of the formally iron(0) dinitrogen and butadiene complexes, two diamagnetic metallacycles were identified as catalyst resting states. Deuterium labeling and NOESY/EXSY NMR experiments support 1,4-hexadiene arising from catalytic hydrovinylation involving reversible oxidative cyclization leading to accessible cis-metallacycle. Cyclobutane formation proceeds by irreversible C(sp³)-C(sp³) bond-forming reductive elimination from a trans-metallacycle. These studies provide key mechanistic understanding into the high selectivity of bis(arylated) pyridine(diimine) iron catalysts for [2+2]-cycloaddition, unique, thus far, to this class of iron catalysts.

Bimolecular Reductive Elimination of Ethane from Pyridine(diimine) Iron Methyl Complexes: Mechanism, Electronic Structure, and Entry into [2+2] Cycloaddition Catalysis

The application of bimolecular reductive elimination to the activation of iron catalysts for alkene-diene cycloaddition is described. Key to this approach was the synthesis, characterization, electronic structure determination, and ultimately solution stability of a family of pyridine(diimine) iron methyl complexes with diverse steric properties and electronic ground states. Both the aryl-substituted, (^MePDI)FeCH₃ and (^EtPDI)FeCH₃ (^RPDI = 2,6-(2,6-R₂-C₆H₃N═CMe)₂C₅H₃N), and the alkyl-substituted examples, (^CyAPDI)FeCH₃ (^CyAPDI = 2,6-(C₆H₁₁N═CMe)₂C₅H₃N), have molecular structures significantly distorted from planarity and S = 3/2 ground states. The related N-arylated derivative bearing 2,6-di-isopropyl aryl substituents, (^iPrPDI)FeCH₃, has an idealized planar geometry and exhibits spin crossover behavior from S = 1/2 to S = 3/2 states. At 23 °C under an N₂ atmosphere, both (^MePDI)FeCH₃ and (^EtPDI)FeCH₃ underwent reductive elimination of ethane to form the iron dinitrogen precatalysts, [(^MePDI)Fe(N₂)]₂(μ-N₂) and [(^EtPDI)Fe(N₂)]₂(μ-N₂), respectively, while (^iPrPDI)FeCH₃ proved inert to C-C bond formation. By contrast, addition of butadiene to all three iron methyl complexes induced ethane formation and generated the corresponding iron butadiene complexes, (^RPDI)Fe(η⁴-C₄H₆) (R = Me, Et, ⁱPr), known precatalysts for the [2+2] cycloaddition of olefins and dienes. Kinetic, crossover experiments, and structural studies were combined with magnetic measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy to elucidate the electronic and steric features of the iron complexes that enable this unusual reductive elimination and precatalyst activation pathway. Transmetalation of methyl groups between iron centers was fast at ambient temperature and independent of steric environment or spin state, while the intermediate dimer underwent the sterically controlled rate-determining reaction with either N₂ or butadiene to access a catalytically active iron compound.

One-Pot Sequential Hydroamination Protocol for N-Heterocycle Synthesis: One Method To Access Five Different Classes of Tri-Substituted Pyridines

Tri-substituted pyridines are important scaffolds that can be found in a plethora of commercially available drugs. A one-pot general method for the selective synthesis of less explored/challenging patterns of tri-substituted pyridines is described. Hydroamination of alkynes with commercially available N-triphenylsilylamine generates N-silylenamines. These in situ generated N-silylenamines, upon reaction with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and subsequent oxidation, furnish 25 examples of selectively substituted 2,4,5-, 2,3,4-, 3,4,5-, 2,3,5-, and 2,3,6-trisubstituted pyridines in up to 78% yield. The reaction features high functional group compatibility providing an expeditious and general approach for the assembly of selectively substituted tri-substituted pyridine derivatives. The robustness and practicality of the reaction have been demonstrated in a gram-scale reaction.

2-(Arylimino)benzylidene-8-arylimino-5,6,7-trihydroquinoline Cobalt(II) Dichloride Polymerization Catalysts for Polyethylenes with Narrow Polydispersity

A series of 2-(arylimino)benzylidene-8-arylimino-5,6,7-trihydroquinoline cobalt(II) chlorides (Co1–Co6) containing a fused ring and a more inert phenyl group as the substituent at the imino-C atom has been synthesized using a one-pot synthesis method and fully characterized by FT-IR and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of Co2 and Co5 have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction as having a distorted square pyramidal geometry around a cobalt core with a tridentate N,N,N-chelating ligand and two chlorides. On activation with either methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), Co1–Co6 exhibited high activities for ethylene polymerization. The least sterically hindered Co2 showed a maximum activity of 16.51 × 106 g (PE) mol−1 (Co) h−1 at a moderate temperature 50 °C. Additionally, ortho-fluoride Co6 was able to maintain a high activity not only at 70 °C but also after 60 min at 50 °C, highlighting its excellent thermal-stability and long catalytic lifetime. The resultant polyethylene showed clearly narrower molecular weight distribution (PDI: 1.3–3.1) than those produced by structurally related cobalt counterparts, indicating the positive influence of benzhydryl substitution on the catalysis. Moreover, the molecular weight (1.7–386.6 kg mol−1) of vinyl- or n-propyl-terminated polyethylene can be finely regulated by controlling polymerization parameters.

Closing the Carbon Loop in the Circular Plastics Economy

Today, plastics are ubiquitous in everyday life, problem solvers of modern technologies, and crucial for sustainable development. Yet the surge in global demand for plastics of the growing world population has triggered a tidal wave of plastic debris in the environment. Moving from a linear to a zero-waste and carbon-neutral circular plastic economy is vital for the future of the planet. Taming the plastic waste flood requires closing the carbon loop through plastic reuse, mechanical and molecular recycling, carbon capture, and use of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In the quest for eco-friendly products, plastics do not need to be reinvented but tuned for reuse and recycling. Their full potential must be exploited regarding energy, resource, and eco efficiency, waste prevention, circular economy, climate change mitigation, and lowering environmental pollution. Biodegradation holds promise for composting and bio-feedstock recovery, but it is neither the Holy Grail of circular plastics economy nor a panacea for plastic littering. As an alternative to mechanical downcycling, molecular recycling enables both closed-loop recovery of virgin plastics and open-loop valorization, producing hydrogen, fuels, refinery feeds, lubricants, chemicals, and carbonaceous materials. Closing the carbon loop does not create a Perpetuum Mobile and requires renewable energy to achieve sustainability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

4,4'-Dimethoxybenzhydryl substituent augments performance of bis(imino)pyridine cobalt-based catalysts in ethylene polymerization

A series of cobalt complexes with bis(imino)pyridine derivatives featuring unsymmetrical substitution with bulky groups has been synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of two representatives have been determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, revealing distorted tetrahedral geometry with different degrees of steric hindrance imparted by the two inequivalent aryl groups attached to the imine nitrogen atoms. On activation with either MAO or MMAO, these complexes display high activity toward ethylene polymerization, reaching 8.71 × 10⁶ g of PE (mol of Co)⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 60 °C and produce polyethylene of high molecular weight (M_w = 5.27 × 10⁵ g mol⁻¹) and low dispersity. The presence of the methoxy-substituent noticeably enhances the activity of the cobalt catalyst and increases the molecular weight of the resultant polyethylene.

Employing ligands with 4,4′-dimethoxybenzhydryl groups, the cobalt precatalysts display high activities toward ethylene polymerization and produce highly linear polyethylenes, the high density polyethylene (HDPE).

Taming the Chlorine Radical: Enforcing Steric Control over Chlorine-Radical-Mediated C-H Activation

Chlorine radicals readily activate C-H bonds, but the high reactivity of these intermediates precludes their use in regioselective C-H functionalization reactions. We demonstrate that the secondary coordination sphere of a metal complex can confine photoeliminated chlorine radicals and afford steric control over their reactivity. Specifically, a series of iron(III) chloride pyridinediimine complexes exhibit activity for photochemical C(sp³)-H chlorination and bromination with selectivity for primary and secondary C-H bonds, overriding thermodynamic preference for weaker tertiary C-H bonds. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that Cl· remains confined through formation of a Cl·|arene complex with aromatic groups on the pyridinediimine ligand. Furthermore, photocrystallography confirms that this selectivity arises from the generation of Cl· within the steric environment defined by the iron secondary coordination sphere.

Efficient suppression of the chain transfer reaction in ethylene coordination polymerization with dibenzosuberyl substituents

Catalysts with dibenzosuberyl substituents possess a superior ability to suppress chain transfer in ethylene (co)polymerization, producing high molecular weight polyethylenes and functionalized polyethylenes (ethylene-MA copolymers).

Fluorinated 2,6-Bis(arylimino)pyridyliron Complexes Targeting Bimodal Dispersive Polyethylene; probing chain termination pathway via a combined experimental and DFT study

The fluorinated 2,6-bis(arylimino)pyridyl iron (II) complexes, [2-[CMeN{2,4-{(4-FC6H4)2CH}2-6-F}]-6-(CMeNAr)C5H3N]FeCl2 (Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3 Fe1, 2,6-Et2C6H3 Fe2, 2,6-iPr2C6H3 Fe3, 2,4,6-Me3C6H2 Fe4, and 2,6-Et2-4-MeC6H2 Fe5) and [2-[CMeN{2-{(4-FC6H4)2CH}-4-{(C6H5)CHAr’}-6-F}]-6-(CMeN(2,6-iPr2C6H3))C5H3N] FeCl2 (Ar’ = 3-(4-FC6H4)2CH}2-4-NH2-5-FC6H2 Fe6), being verified with...

Bis(imino)-6,7-dihydro-5H-quinoline-cobalt complexes as highly active catalysts for the formation of vinyl-terminated PE waxes; steps towards inhibiting deactivation pathways through targeted ligand design

A set of five related bis(imino)-6,7-dihydro-5H-quinoline-cobalt(ii) complexes, [2-(ArN = CPh)-8-(NAr)-C₉H₈N]CoCl₂ (Ar = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃Co1, 2,6-Et₂C₆H₃Co2, 2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃Co3, 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂Co4, 2,6-Et₂-4-MeC₆H₂Co5), have been synthesized in reasonable yield by the template reaction of cobalt(ii) chloride hexahydrate, 2-benzoyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-quinolin-8-one and the corresponding aniline. The molecular structures of Co1 and Co4 highlight both the differences in the two imino-carbon environments (phenyl-capped chain vs. cyclic) and also the steric properties exerted by the bulky N_imine-aryl groups. On pre-treatment with either modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) or methylaluminoxane (MAO), all complexes proved productive catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene. In particular, Co1/MAO was the most active reaching a very high level of 1.62 × 10⁷ g PE per mol (Co) per h over a 30 minute run time. Owing to the presence of the imino-phenyl substituent, Co1–Co5 were able to exhibit good thermal stability by displaying appreciable catalytic activity at temperatures between 50 and 80 °C, generating polyethylenes with narrow dispersities (M_w/M_n range: 1.66–3.28). In particular, the least sterically bulky precatalysts, Co1 and Co4 formed polyethylene waxes (M_w range: 1.94–5.69 kg per mol) with high levels of vinyl unsaturation as confirmed by high temperature ¹H/¹³C NMR spectroscopy and by IR spectroscopy.

Narrowly dispersed PE waxes with high levels of vinyl functionality are produced using the depicted cobalt polymerization catalysts.

Iron- and Cobalt-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrofunctionalization of Alkenes and Alkynes

Transition metal catalyzed asymmetric hydrofunctionalization of readily available unsaturated hydrocarbons presents one of the most straightforward and atom-economic protocols to access valuable optically active products. For decades, noble transition metal catalysts have laid the cornerstone in this field, on account of their superior reactivity and selectivity. In recent years, from an economical and sustainable standpoint, first-row, earth-abundant transition metals have received considerable attention, due to their high natural reserves, affordable costs, and low toxicity. Meanwhile, the earth-abundant metal catalyzed hydrofunctionalization reactions have also gained much interest and been investigated gradually. However, since chiral ligand libraries for earth-abundant transition-metal catalysis are limited to date, the development of highly enantioselective versions remains a significant challenge.This Account summarizes our recent efforts in developing suitable chiral ligands for iron and cobalt catalysts and their applications in the highly enantioselective hydrofunctionalization reactions (hydroboration and hydrosilylation) of alkenes and alkynes. In ligand design, we envisioned that chiral unsymmetric NNN-tridentate (UNT) ligand scaffolds could promote these enantioselective transformations with earth-abundant metals. Therefore, several types of chiral UNT ligands were designed and prepared in our laboratory, utilizing readily available natural amino acids as chiral sources. In the very beginning, chiral oxazoline iminopyridine (OIP) ligands were proposed and investigated through the rational combination of nitrogen-containing ligand scaffolds. After a systematic survey of the ligand effects, the imine moiety in the rigid OIP ligands was replaced by a conformationally more flexible amine unit, leading to the construction of reactive oxazoline aminoisopropylpyridine (OAP) ligands. Subsequently, imidazoline iminopyridine (IIP) and thiazoline iminopyridine (TIP) ligands were prepared by altering the oxygen atom of oxazoline with nitrogen and sulfur linkers, respectively. To further expand the chiral ligand library, other tridentate ligands containing a twisted pincer, anionic, and nonrigid backbone were also designed and synthesized, including iminophenyl oxazolinyl phenylamine (IPOPA) and imidazoline phenyl picolinamide (ImPPA). The efficacy of these chiral UNT ligands for asymmetric induction in iron and cobalt catalysis has been demonstrated through asymmetric hydrofunctionalization of alkenes and asymmetric sequential hydrofunctionalization of alkynes, which exhibit excellent reactivity as well as high chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity with broad functional group tolerance. Notably, highly regio- and enantioselective hydrofunctionalization of challenging substrates, such as 1,1-disubstituted aryl alkenes and terminal aliphatic alkenes, was also achieved. Furthermore, the development of asymmetric sequential isomerization/hydroboration of internal alkenes and sequential hydrofunctionalization of alkynes further demonstrates the synthetic power of these catalytic systems. The chiral enantioenriched products obtained by these methodologies could be potentially utilized in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. We believe that our continuous efforts in this field would be beneficial to the development of asymmetric earth-abundant metal catalysis.

Investigations on the Ethylene Polymerization with Bisarylimine Pyridine Iron (BIP) Catalysts

The kinetics and terminations of ethylene polymerization, mediated by five bisarylimine pyridine (BIP) iron dichloride precatalysts, and activated by large amounts of methyl aluminoxane (MAO) was studied. Narrow distributed paraffins from initially formed aluminum polymeryls and broader distributed 1-polyolefins and (bimodal) mixtures, thereof, were obtained after acidic workup. The main pathway of olefin formation is beta-hydrogen transfer to ethylene. The rate of polymerization in the initial phase is inversely proportional to the co-catalyst concentration for all pre-catalysts; a first-order dependence was found on ethylene and catalyst concentrations. The inhibition by aluminum alkyls is released to some extent in a second phase, which arises after the original methyl groups are transformed into n-alkyl entities and the aluminum polymeryls partly precipitate in the toluene medium. The catalysis is interpretable in a mechanism, wherein, the relative rate of chain shuttling, beta-hydrogen transfer and insertion of ethylene are determining the outcome. Beta-hydrogen transfer enables catalyst mobility, which leads to a (degenerate) chain growth of already precipitated aluminum alkyls. Stronger Lewis acidic centers of the single site catalysts, and those with smaller ligands, are more prone to yield 1-olefins and to undergo a faster reversible alkyl exchange between aluminum and iron.

Doubly fused N,N,N-iron ethylene polymerization catalysts appended with fluoride substituents; probing catalytic performance via a combined experimental and MLR study

In agreement with the MLR analysis, the fluorinated iron precatalyst, R¹ = F, R² = R³ = CH(p-FPh)₂, proved the most active at 70 °C generating strictly linear polyethylene waxes.

Remote dibenzocycloheptyl substitution on a bis(arylimino)pyridyl-iron ethylene polymerization catalyst; enhanced thermal stability and unexpected effects on polymer properties

The title iron catalyst displays exceptionally high catalytic activity at 70 °C and high activity at 100 °C; wax-like properties are a feature of the polyethylenes as are the narrow dispersities.

Research progress of iron-based catalysts for selective oligomerization of ethylene

Linear α-olefins are widely used as raw materials in the chemical industry. Selective ethylene oligomerization is an important development direction of the linear α-olefin production process. Iron-based catalysts have become a research hotspot in selective ethylene oligomerization due to their advantages like high activity, high selectivity and convenience of adjusting their ligand structures. In this paper, the research progress of catalysts for selective oligomerization of ethylene was reviewed in terms of the cocatalysts, ligand structure, and immobilization of homogeneous catalysts.

Zn-Templated synthesis of substituted (2,6-diimine)pyridine proligands and evaluation of their iron complexes as anolytes for flow battery applications

Pseudo-octahedral iron complexes supported by tridentate N^N^N-binding, redox 'non-innocent' diiminepyridine (DIP) ligands exhibit multiple reversible ligand-based reductions that suggest the potential application of these complexes as anolytes in redox flow batteries (RFBs). When bearing aryl groups at the imine nitrogens, substitution at the 4-position can be used to tune these redox potentials and impact other properties relevant to RFB applications, such as solubility and stability over extended cycling. DIP ligands bearing electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) in this position, however, can be challenging to isolate via typical condensation routes involving para-substituted anilines and 2,6-diacetylpyridine. In this work, we demonstrate a high-yielding Zn-templated synthesis of DIP ligands bearing strong EWGs. The synthesis and electrochemical characterization of iron(ii) complexes of these ligands is also described, along with properties relevant to their potential application as RFB anolytes.

Co(I) complexes with a tetradentate phenanthroline-based PNNP ligand as a potent new metal-ligand cooperation platform

A series of low spin cobalt(i) complexes bearing a tetradentate phenanthroline-based PNNP ligand (2,9-bis((diphenylphosphanyl)methyl)-1,10-phenanthroline), [CoCl(PNNP)] (1), [CoMe(PNNP)] (2) and [Co(CH2SiMe3)(PNNP)] (3), were synthesized and structurally identified. Complex 3 underwent a structural rearrangement of the PNNP skeleton upon heating to form [Co(PNNP')] (4), which is supported by an asymmetrical PNNP' ligand with a dearomatized phenanthroline backbone. Mechanistic studies supported that the transformation from 3 to 4 was initiated by the homolysis of either a Co-CH2SiMe3 bond or a benzylic C-H bond. Complex 4 achieved H-H bond cleavage of H2 (1 atm) at ambient temperature, to form [Co(PNNP'')] (6), in which two H atoms were incorporated into the endocyclic double bond of the PNNP'' ligand backbone.

Adjusting Ortho-Cycloalkyl Ring Size in a Cycloheptyl-Fused N,N,N-Iron Catalyst as Means to Control Catalytic Activity and Polyethylene Properties

Five examples of bis(arylimino)tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]pyridine dichloroiron(II) complex, [2-{(Ar)N=CMe}-9-{N(Ar)}C10H10N]FeCl2 (Ar = 2-(C5H9)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe1, 2-(C6H11)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe2, 2-(C8H15)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe3, 2-(C12H23)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe4, and 2,6-(C5H9)2-4-(CHPh2)C6H2Fe5), incorporating ortho-pairings based on either benzhydryl/cycloalkyl (ring sizes ranging from 5 to 12) or cyclopentyl/cyclopentyl groups, have been prepared in reasonable yield by employing a simple one-pot template strategy. Each complex was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and for Fe3 and Fe5 by single crystal X-ray diffraction; pseudo-square pyramidal geometries are a feature of their coordination spheres. On treatment of Fe1–Fe5 with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) or methylaluminoxane (MAO), a range in catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization were observed with benzhydryl/cyclopentyl-containing Fe1/MMAO achieving the maximum level of 15.3 × 106 g PE mol−1 (Fe) h−1 at an operating temperature of 70 °C. As a key trend, the activity was found to drop as the ortho-cycloalkyl ring size increased: Fe1C5H9/CHPh2~Fe5C5H9/C5H9 > Fe2C6H11/CHPh2 > Fe3C8H15/CHPh2 > Fe4C12H23/CHPh2. Furthermore, strictly linear polyethylenes (Tm > 126 °C) were formed with molecular weights again dependent on the ortho-cycloalkyl ring size (up to 55.6 kg mol−1 for Fe1/MAO); narrow dispersities were a characteristic of all the polymers (Mw/Mn range: 2.3–4.7), highlighting the well-controlled nature of these polymerizations.

Solution XANES and EXAFS analysis of active species of titanium, vanadium complex catalysts in ethylene polymerisation/dimerisation and syndiospecific styrene polymerisation

Mechanistic studies in homogeneous catalysis through the solution transition metal K Edge XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) and EXAFS (Extended X-ray absorption fine structure) analysis for vanadium and titanium complex catalysts for ethylene polymerisation/dimerization, and syndiospecific styrene polymerisation, including interpretation of the XANES spectra, have been introduced. The core excitation spectra of the complexes based on the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) can be used to interpret the Ti and V K-edge features and to extract information on the electronic structure from the XANES spectra. Theoretical calculations and experimental XAS analysis should have great potential for analysing the active species.

Fair Look at Coordination Oligomerization of Higher α-Olefins

Coordination catalysis is a highly efficient alternative to more traditional acid catalysis in the oligomerization of α-olefins. The distinct advantage of transition metal-based catalysts is the structural homogeneity of the oligomers. Given the great diversity of the catalysts and option of varying the reaction conditions, a wide spectrum of processes can be implemented. In recent years, both methylenealkanes (vinylidene dimers of α-olefins) and structurally uniform oligomers with the desired degrees of polymerization have become available for later use in the synthesis of amphiphilic organic compounds and polymers, high-quality oils or lubricants, and other prospective materials. In the present review, we discussed the selective dimerization and oligomerization of α-olefins, catalyzed by metallocene and post-metallocene complexes, and explored the prospects for the further applications of the coordination α-olefin dimers and oligomers.