Carboranylimine-complexed titanium (IV) organometallics: An investigation of synthesis, structure and catalytic polymerization

The condensation reaction of carboranylmethyl ammonium chloride, 1-(CH2NH3Cl)-1,2-C2B10H11 (1) with phenyl aldehydes produced phenyl(carboranylmethyl)imine ligands, 1-(CH2N = CC6H4R-2)-1,2-C2B10H11 (2 R = H; 3 R = OH). Deprotonation of 2 and 3 with n-BuLi followed by metalation with TiCl4 led to the formation of phenyl(carboranylmethyl)imidotitanium (IV) chlorides, [1-(CH2N = CC6H4R-2)-1,2-C2B10H10]TiCl3 (4 R = H; 5 R = O). Compounds 4 and 5 were found to catalyze the polymerization of ethylene in the presence of co-catalyst MAO to produce high molecular weight polyethylene. In addition, compounds 4 and 5 were also active for copolymerization of ethylene and methyl-10-undecannoate to generate corresponding copolymers.

Titanium(IV) organometallics incorporating carboranylimine ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. These organometallic complexes were found to be active catalysts for polymerization of ethylene and methyl-10-undecannoate.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Carborane-based imine ligands were synthesized and coordinated with titanium.
► Polyethylenes with high molecular weight were produced by the catalysts.
► Copolymers of ethylene/methyl-10-undecannoate were produced by the catalysts.