Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic behaviors of β-carbonylenamine-derived metal complexes (M = Ti, Zr) in styrene polymerization

•The titanium and zirconium complexes based on thioether substituted β-carbonylenamine were synthesized.•X-ray analysis proved the molecular structure of the corresponding titanium and zirconium complexes.•The titanium complexes could promote styrene syndiotactic polymerization smoothly at 90 °C for at least 4 h.•The introduction of a CF3-group results in an improved catalytic activity in the styrene polymerization at 90 °C.

The titanium and zirconium complexes based on thioether substituted β-carbonylenamine were prepared and characterized. In the presence of MMAO, the titanium complexes showed good activity in syndiospecific styrene polymerization with high syndioselectivity, and performed good thermal stability. Electron withdrawing group on ligands is beneficial to the styrene polymerization. [1,3-diphenyl-3-(2-(isopropylthio)ethylimino)prop-1-en-1-olate]2ZrCl2(IV) could also polymerize styrene to give syndiotactic polymer, however in low activity and with low syndioselectivity.

Graphical abstractThe titanium and zirconium complexes based on thioether substituted β-carbonylenamine were prepared and characterized. In the presence of MMAO, the titanium complexes showed good activity in syndiospecific styrene polymerization with high syndioselectivity, and performed good thermal stability. Electron withdrawing group on ligands is beneficial to the styrene polymerization.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide