Novel neutral phenylnickel phosphine compounds bearing iminoaryl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand: Synthesis, characterization and their styrene polymerization behaviors

Four neutral phenylnickel phosphine compounds linked iminoaryl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand of the type [NiL(PPh3)Ph] have been synthesized and characterized. All these complexes exhibit high catalytic activity in catalyzing styrene polymerization under the action of MAO and afford bimodal polystyrene.

Graphical abstractIminoaryl substituted cyclopentadienyl compounds reacted with NaH in THF to lead the form the sodium derivatives. Novel neutral phenylnickel phosphine compounds were prepared by the reaction of these derivatives without further purification with trans-Ni(PPh3)2PhCl.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide