A silica-supported titanium(IV) complex bearing [O−NS] tridentate ligand and its behavior in ethylene homo- and copolymerization with 1-hexene

A silica-supported catalyst SC was prepared by the immobilization of the titanium(IV) complex (I) bearing [O−NS] tridentate ligand on modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) treated silica. Its performance in ethylene polymerizations was investigated by the variation of polymerization conditions. The results indicated that the good catalytic activities and incorporation of 1-hexene in copolymer can be obtained. In comparison with homogeneous catalyst (I), such silica-supported catalyst gave polymers with higher Mw, higher Tm and better morphology.