Unsymmetric bimetal(II) complexes: Synthesis, structures and catalytic behaviors toward ethylene

A series of unsymmetric bimetal (II) (Fe, Co and Ni) complexes ligated by 2-methyl-2,4-bis(6-iminopyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines were synthesized and characterized. These iron(II) complexes were found to exhibit good activities for ethylene oligomerization and polymerization in the presence of MMAO, so were cobalt analogues. The nickel complexes mainly dimerize ethylene with considerable activity.