Heterogenized nickel catalysts for propene dimerization: Support effects on activity and selectivity

Ni–SiO2 and Ni-[Si]–MCM-41 are synthesized by grafting Ni(MeCN)6(BF4)2 onto SiO2 (nonporous) and MCM-41 (mesoporous). The catalytic properties of the grafted catalysts after activation with Al2Et3Cl3 are compared with the homogeneous equivalent system in propylene oligomerization. The identification of dimers leads to the determination of preferential reaction steps and the corresponding active species. Differences of the insertion modes of propylene are correlated to the textural properties of the support. Supporting the nickel active species reduces the isomerization side reactions and changes the mode of insertion of the first olefin.

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► Ni(MeCN)6(BF4)2 is grafted onto SiO2 (nonporous) and MCM-41 (mesoporous).
► Catalytic properties are compared in propylene oligomerization.
► Propylene mode insertion is correlated to the textural properties of the support.
► Supporting the nickel active species reduces the isomerization.