Experimentally-based Fe-catalyzed ethene oligomerization machine learning model provides highly accurate prediction of propagation/termination selectivity

Linear α-olefins (1-alkenes) are critical comonomers for ethene copolymerization. A major impediment in the development of new homogeneous Fe catalysts for ethene oligomerization to produce comonomers and other important commercial products is the prediction of propagation versus termination rates that control the α-olefin distribution (e.g., 1-butene through 1-decene), which is often referred to as a K-value. Because the transition states for propagation versus termination are generally separated by less than a one kcal mol-1 difference in energy, this selectivity cannot be accurately predicted by either DFT or wavefunction methods (even DLPNO-CCSD(T)). Therefore, we developed a sub-kcal mol-1 accuracy machine learning model based on several hundred experimental selectivity values and straightforward 2D chemical and physical features that enables the prediction of α-olefin distribution K-values. As part of our model, we developed a new ad hoc feature that boosted the model performance. This machine learning model captures the effects of a broad range of ligand architectures and chemically nonintuitive trends in oligomerization selectivity. Our machine learning model was experimentally validated by prediction of a K-value for a new Fe phosphaneyl-pyridinyl-quinoline catalyst followed by experimental measurement that showed precise agreement. In addition to quantitative predictions, we demonstrate how this machine learning model can provide qualitative catalyst design using proximity of pairs type analysis.

Bridge-Dependent Donor-Metal-Acceptor-Metal-Donor (D-M-A-M-D) Systems: From Charge Transfer to Electron Transfer in Dioxolene-Ge-Diimine Complexes

Synthesis and structural characterization of a family of germanium-dioxolene complexes with ditopic N-donor ligands (L1-L5) (L1=1,2-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)hydrazine L2=1,6-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)-2,5-diaza-1,5-hexadiene, L3=N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)-1,4-benzenediamine, L4=N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)-(biphenyl)-4,4-diamine, L5=2,2'-azopyridine) is reported. The reaction of germanium bis-catecholate with bridging ligands L1 - L4, differing by the nature of the linker between pyridine sites gives rise to dinuclear digermanium complexes (36Cat2Ge)2L1-4 (36Cat=dianion of 3,6-di-tert-butylcatechol) 1-4 of DMAMD type (donor-metal-acceptor-metal-donor) with a charge transfer in the UV-Vis region. In opposite, the interaction of the 36Cat2Ge with 2,2'-azopyridine (L5) results in the two-electron transfer from the donor 36Cat2- ligands to the azopyridine bridge forming stable open-shell complex 5 [(36SQ)(36CatGe)]2(L5)2- (36SQ=radical-anionic semiquinonate ligand). Molecular structures of compounds 3 and 5 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Electronic structures of complexes 1-5 were studied by means of DFT calculations.

π-Carbazolyl supported bis(alkyl) complexes of Sc, Y and La for α-olefin polymerization and hydrogenation

A series of new half-sandwich bis(alkyl) rare-earth metal complexes coordinated by a sterically demanding 1,3,6,8-tetra-tert-butyl-carbazol-9-yl ligand [tBu₄Carb]La(CH₂C₆H₅)₂(THF) (1-La), [tBu₄Carb]Ln(o-NMe₂C₆H₄CH₂)₂ (Ln = Sc (2-Sc), Y (2-Y), La (2-La), [tBu₄Carb]Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) (Ln = Sc (3-Sc), Y (3-Y)), were synthesized. 1-La, 2-La, and 2-Y were prepared by an alkane elimination protocol, while 2-Sc, 3-Sc, and 3-Y became accessible only when salt metathesis reactions of tBu₄CarbK with R₂Ln(THF)_n⁺[BPh₄]^- were employed. X-ray analysis revealed that in all complexes the carbazolyl ligand exhibits π-coordination with metal ions. 2-Sc and 3-Sc when activated with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] demonstrate excellent activity in α-olefin (octene-1, nonene-1, decene-1 and 1,1-diphenyl-but-1-ene) polymerization. When H₂ was used as a chain transfer agent (1 bar, rt) in the presence of 3-Sc/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] or 2-Y, 2-La olefin hydrogenation occurred with quantitative conversion.

Cat-CrNP as new material with catalytic properties for 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol and ethylene oligomerizations

The contemporary search for new catalysts for olefin oligomerization and polymerization is based on the study of coordinating compounds and/or organometallic compounds as post-metallocene catalysts. However known catalysts are suffered by many flaws, among others unsatisfactory activity, requirement of high pressure or instability at high temperatures. In this paper, we present a new catalyst i.e. the crystalline complex compound possesing high catalytic activity in the oligomerization of olefins, such as 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol and ethylene under very mild conditions (room temperature, 0.12 bar for ethylene oligomerization, atmospheric pressure for 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol oligomerization). New material—Cat-CrNP ([nitrilotriacetato-1,10-phenanthroline]chromium(III) tetrahydrate) has been obtained as crystalline form of the nitrilotriacetate complex compound of chromium(III) with 1,10-phenanthroline and characterized in terms of its crystal structure by the XRD method and by multi-analytical investigations towards its physicochemical propeties The yield of catalytic oligomerization over Cat-CrNP reached to 213.92 g · mmol⁻¹ · h⁻¹· bar⁻¹ and 3232 g · mmol⁻¹ · h⁻¹ · bar⁻¹ for the 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol and ethylene, respectively. Furthemore, the synthesis of Cat-CrNP is cheap, easy to perform and solvents used during preparation are environmentally friendly.

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.

Controlled di-lithiation enabled synthesis of phosphine-sulfonamide ligands and implications in ethylene oligomerization

Catalyst design for ethylene oligomerization has attracted significant interest. Herein, we report the synthesis of phosphine-sulfonamide-derived palladium complexes and examine their performance in ethylene oligomerization. Arresting a dilithiation intermediate of N-(2-bromophenyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (1) at -84 °C selectively produced N-(2-(bis(2-methoxyphenyl)phosphanyl)phenyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (L1A). However, the same reaction at -41 °C delivered a different ligand; 2-(bis(2-methoxyphenyl)phosphanyl)-4-methyl-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide (L2A). The generality of our strategy has been demonstrated by preparing N-(2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (L1B) and 2-(diphenylphosphanyl)-4-methyl-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide (L2B). Subsequently, L1A and L1B were treated with a palladium precursor to yield 5-membered complexes C1 and C2, respectively. In contrast, L2A upon treatment with palladium produced a 6-membered metal complex C3. Thus, a small library of 7 palladium complexes (C1-C7) were synthesized by varying the donor moiety (pyridine, DMSO, and acetonitrile). The identity of palladium complexes was unambiguously ascertained using a combination of spectroscopic and analytical methods, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The performance of the complexes C1-C7 was investigated in ethylene oligomerization and almost all of them were found to be active. The resultant ethylene oligomers were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, MALDI-ToF-MS, and GPC. Detailed screening of reaction parameters revealed 100 °C and 40 bars ethylene to be optimal conditions. Complex C5 outperformed other complexes and produced ethylene oligomers with a molecular weight of 1000-1900 g mol-1.

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.

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.

Iron/N-doped graphene nano-structured catalysts for general cyclopropanation of olefins

An Fe-based heterogeneous catalyst allows for the synthesis of cyclopropanes via a carbene transfer reaction, a transformation usually belonging to the homogeneous domain.

The first examples of heterogeneous Fe-catalysed cyclopropanation reactions are presented. Pyrolysis of in situ-generated iron/phenanthroline complexes in the presence of a carbonaceous material leads to specific supported nanosized iron particles, which are effective catalysts for carbene transfer reactions. Using olefins as substrates, cyclopropanes are obtained in high yields and moderate diastereoselectivities. The developed protocol is scalable and the activity of the recycled catalyst after deactivation can be effectively restored using an oxidative reactivation protocol under mild conditions.

Solution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) for Analysis of Catalytically Active Species in Reactions with Ethylene by Homogeneous (Imido)vanadium(V) Complexes—Al Cocatalyst Systems

Solution V K-edge XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) and EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) analysis of vanadium(V) complexes containing both imido ligands and anionic ancillary donor ligands (L) of type, V(NR)(L)X2 (R = Ar, Ad (1-adamantyl); Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3; X = Cl, Me, L = 2-(ArNCH2)C5H4N, OAr, WCA-NHC, and 2-(2’-benzimidazolyl)pyridine; WCA-NHC = anionic NHCs containing weak coordinating B(C6F5)3), which catalyze ethylene dimerization and/or polymerization in the presence of Al cocatalysts, has been explored. Different catalytically actives species with different oxidation states were formed depending upon the Al cocatalyst (MAO, Me2AlCl, AliBu3, etc.) and the anionic ancillary donor ligand employed. The method is useful for obtainment of the direct information of the active species (oxidation state, basic framework around the centered metal) in solution, and for better understanding in catalysis mechanism and organometallic as well as coordination chemistry.

Cu(i), Ag(i), Ni(ii), Cr(iii) and Ir(i) complexes with tritopic NimineCNHCNamine pincer ligands and catalytic ethylene oligomerization

Potentially pincer-type tritopic N^imineC^NHCN^amine ligands with a variable length of the spacer connecting N^imidazole to the amine donor are evaluated.

A broadly tunable synthesis of linear α-olefins

The catalytic synthesis of linear α-olefins from ethylene is a technologically highly important reaction. A synthesis concept allowing the formation of selective products and various linear α-olefin product distributions with one catalyst system is highly desirable. Here, we describe a trimetallic catalyst system (Y–Al–Ni) consisting of a rare earth metal polymerization catalyst which can mediate coordinative chain transfer to triethylaluminum combined with a simultaneously operating nickel β-hydride elimination/transfer catalyst. This nickel catalyst displaces the grown alkyl chains forming linear α-olefins and recycles the aluminum-based chain transfer agent. With one catalyst system, we can synthesize product spectra ranging from selective 1-butene formation to α-olefin distributions centered at 850 gmol⁻¹ with a low polydispersity. The key to this highly flexible linear α-olefin synthesis is the easy tuning of the rates of the Y and Ni catalysis independently of each other. The reaction is substoichiometric or formally catalytic regarding the chain transfer agent.

Linear α-olefins are important bulk chemicals annually produced in megaton scale. Here, the authors report a trimetallic catalyst system for the synthesis of 1-butene and a broad range of α-olefins and achieve control over chain length by tuning the reaction rates of the nickel and yttrium catalysts.

PNP-Pincer-Type Phosphaalkene Complexes of Late Transition Metals

This account summarizes our recent studies on PNP-pincer-type phosphaalkene complexes. Phosphaalkenes with a P=C bond possess an extremely low-lying π* orbital and have a marked tendency to engage in strong π back-bonding with transition metals. This particular ligand property provides PNP-pincer complexes with unique structures and reactivities. 2,6-Bis(phosphaethenyl)pyridine leads to the isolation of coordinatively unsaturated complexes of Fe(I) and Cu(I); the former adopts a trigonal monopyramidal configuration, whereas the latter has a strong affinity for PF6- and SbF6- as non-coordinating anions. Unsymmetrical PNP-pincer-type phosphaalkene complexes of Ir(I) bearing a dearomatized pyridine unit instantly cleave the N-H bond of NH₃ and the C-H bond of MeCN at room temperature. The dearomatized iridium complexes catalyze the dehydrative coupling of amines with alcohols to afford N-alkylated amines and imines in high yields.

Palladium complexes with simple iminopyridines as catalysts for polyketone synthesis

A systematic study on iminopyridine palladium complexes demonstrates the relationship among NMR chemical shifts, ligand donor capability and catalytic performances.

Cobalt PNCNHC ‘pincers’: ligand dearomatisation, formation of dinuclear and N2 complexes and promotion of C–H activation

Ligand dearomatisation in Co^II phosphino-picoline NHC-type pincers and dicobalt complexes result from side-arm metalation or C–H activation at the NHC backbone; in the latter case, an ‘anionic dicarbene’ originates from a dearomatised Co^I–N₂ complex.

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

For over 40 years following the polyolefin catalyst discoveries of Hogan and Banks (Phillips) and Ziegler (Max Planck Institute), chemists traversed the periodic table searching for new transition metal and lanthanide-based olefin polymerization systems. Remarkably, none of these "hits" employed iron, that is, until three groups independently reported iron catalysts for olefin polymerization in the late 1990's. The history surrounding the discovery of these catalysts was only the beginning of their uniqueness, as the ensuing years have proven these systems remarkable in several regards. Of primary importance are the pyridine-bis(imine) ligands (herein referred to as PDI), which produced iron catalysts that are among the world's most active for ethylene polymerization, demonstrated "staying power" despite over 15 years of ligand improvement efforts, and generated highly active polymerization systems with cobalt, chromium, and vanadium. Although many ligands have been employed in iron-catalyzed polymerization, the PDI family has thus far provided the most information about iron's capabilities and tendencies. For example, iron systems tend to be highly selective for ethylene over higher olefins, making them strong candidates for producing highly crystalline polyethylene, or highly linear α-olefins. Iron PDI polymerizes propylene with 2,1-regiochemistry via a predominantly isotactic, chain end control mechanism. Because the first insertion proceeds via 1,2-regiochemistry, iron (and cobalt) PDI systems can be tailored to make highly linear dimers of α-olefins by "head-to-head" coupling, resulting from a switch in regiochemistry after the first insertion. Finally, PDI ligands, while not being surpassed in activity, have inspired the development of related ligand families and complexes, such as pendant donor diimines (PDD), which are also highly efficient at producing linear α-olefins. This Account will detail a variety of oligomerization and polymerization results achieved with PDI and PDD catalysts. Our studies on ligand modification are discussed, but numerous ligands have been synthesized by others. Computational approaches, identification of catalyst active sites, noninnocent ligand studies, commercialization efforts, and other outstanding research are only briefly mentioned, at most. The reader is directed to review articles where appropriate, in order to address the cursory treatment of these areas.

A cyclodiphosphazane based pincer ligand, [2,6-{μ-((t)BuN)2P((t)BuHN)PO}2C6H3I]: Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II) and Cu(I) complexes and catalytic studies

Synthesis and late-transition metal complexes of pincer capable cyclodiphosphazane, 2,6-{μ-((t)BuN)2P((t)BuHN)PO}2C6H3I (1) are described. The condensation of 2-iodoresorcinol with cis-{ClP(μ-N(t)Bu)2PN(H)(t)Bu} produced a difunctional derivative 1 in good yield. The treatment of Ni(COD)2, Pd2(dba)3·CHCl3 or Pt(PPh3)4 with 1 afforded pincer complexes [2,6-{μ-((t)BuN)2P((t)BuHN)PO}2C6H3MI] (2 M = Ni; 3 M = Pd and 4 M = Pt). The reaction of complex 3 with copper halides resulted in the formation of heterobimetallic complexes bridged by rhombic {Cu(μ-X)}2 units, [{{Cu(μ-X)}2}{μ-((t)BuN)2P((t)BuHN)PO}2C6H3PdI] (5 X = I and 6 X = Br). The crystal structures of 1-3, and 6 were established by single X-ray diffraction studies. The palladium complex 3 was tested for catalytic P-arylation of diphenylphosphine oxide (Ph2P(O)H) under microwave irradiation. Moderate to good catalytic activity was observed with aryl bromides.

Constrained formation of 2-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)-7-arylimino-6,6-dimethylcyclopentapyridines and their cobalt(ii) chloride complexes: synthesis, characterization and ethylene polymerization

The 2-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)-7-arylimino-6,6-dimethylcyclopentapyridylcobalt complexes were constrainedly prepared, performing polymerization with MAO but oligomerization with MMAO.

Exploring the effects of phenolic compounds on bis(imino)pyridine iron-catalyzed ethylene oligomerization

Polymer formation could be efficiently retarded with the activation of phenol-modified MAOs in the iron-catalyzed oligomerization of ethylene.