Johan Paul Smit

Transition metal complexes

A transition metal complex which is a bis-arylimine pyridine MXn complex or a [bis-arylimine pyridine MXp+][NC−]q complex comprising a bis-arylimine pyridine ligand and M is a transition metal atom; n matches the formal oxidation state of the transition metal atom M; X is halide, optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, alkoxide, amide, or hydride; NC− is a non-coordinating anion; and p+q matches the formal oxidation state of the transition metal atom M. The transition metal complexes of the present invention, their complexes with non-coordinating anions and catalyst systems containing such complexes have good solubility in non-polar media and chemically inert non-polar solvents especially aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. The catalyst systems can be used for a wide range of (co-)oligomerization, polymerization and dimerization reactions.Abstract Cp★Ni(η 1 ,η 2 -C 4 HPh 4 ) (Cp★ = η 5 -C 5 -Me 5 ) ( 1 ) was prepared by reacting Cp★Ni(acac) with 1,4-dilithium-1,2,3,4-tetraphenylbutadiendiyl and its structure determined by X-ray diffraction. Thermolysis of 1 in THF affords Cp★Ni(η 3 -1-benzyl-2,3-diphenylindenyl) ( 2 ) and Cp★Ni(η 3 -3-benzylyl-1,2-diphenylindene) ( 3 ). The structures of 2 and 3 were also determined by X-ray diffraction. A proposed mechanism of product formation is discussed.