2-β-Benzothiazolyl-6-iminopyridylmetal dichlorides and the catalytic behavior towards ethylene oligomerization and polymerization

► A series of 2-(2-benzothiazolyl)-6-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)pyridines was successfully synthesized. ► The iron and cobalt complexes bearing 2-(2-benzothiazolyl)-6-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)pyridines were prepared in high yields. ► The iron pre-catalysts showed high activities in ethylene oligomerization and polymerization. ► The cobalt pre-catalysts showed moderate activities in ethylene oligomerization and polymerization. ► The current work provided an alternative model pre-catalyst of metal (iron and cobalt) complexes in ethylene reactivity.