A neutral trianionic pincer [NCN]CrIV-Me complex as a highly active ethylene polymerization precatalyst

► A trianionic pincer Cr(IV) precatalyst is employed in polyethylene synthesis. ► High polymerization activity 7.02 × 106 g PE(molCr)−1 h−1. ► Catalyst requires small cocatalyst loading (10-35 equiv). ► An optimal ratio of cocatalyst:catalyst is required to achieve maximum activity.