Ferrocenyl phosphane nickel carbonyls: Synthesis, solid state structure, and their use as catalysts in the oligomerization of ethylene

The synthesis of diverse ferrocenyl phosphane nickel carbonyls of type (FcPPh2)Ni(CO)3 (3), (FcPPh2)2Ni(CO)2 (4), fc(PR2Ni(CO)3)2 (R = Ph (6a), R = p-tolyl (6b)), and (fc(PPh2)2)Ni(CO)2 (7) (Fc = (η5-C5H5)(η5-C5H4)Fe, fc = (η5-C5H4)2Fe) starting from FcPPh2 (1), fc(PR2)2 (R = Ph (5a); R = p-tolyl (5b)), and Ni(CO)4 (2) is described. The structures of 3, 4, 6b, and 7 in the solid state are reported, intermolecular interactions by π–π-contacts are discussed. The behavior of 3, 4, 6a, 6b, and 7 towards the oligomerization of ethylene is reported. All compounds, except 4, were found to be inactive in homogeneous ethylene oligomerization, while they exhibit moderate activities (up to 660 kg prod/mol Ni h) in heterogeneous ethylene oligomerization experiments.

The syntheses, solid state structures and potential catalytic activities (homogeneous and heterogeneous) of ferrocenyl phosphane nickel carbonyls are discussed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide