Neutral Ni(II) complexes based on keto-enamine salicylideneanilines active for selective dimerization of ethylene

Single component organonickel(II)phosphino neutral complexes from salicylideneaniline based ligands bearing N–O chelate sites, were synthesized, which were found efficient in dimerizing ethylene selectively to various butene products.

Graphical abstractNeutral Ni(II) complexes coordinated to keto-enamine salicylideneaniline ligands and triphenylphospine minor ligand along with a o-tolyl group making metal–carbon bonds were synthesized and they were found active for ethylene oligomerization when activated with methylalumoxane to give selective dimerization along with a minor amount of trimerization.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide