Iron(III) complexes bearing 2-(benzimidazole)-6-(1-aryliminoethyl)pyridines: Synthesis, characterization and their catalytic behaviors towards ethylene oligomerization and polymerization

A series of iron(III) complexes ligated by 2-(benzimidazole)-6-(1-aryliminoethyl)pyridines was synthesized and examined by 1H NMR, ESI-MS, IR spectroscopic, elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO), all ferric complexes exhibited good activities (up to 5.38 × 106 g mol−1(Fe) h−1) of ethylene oligomerization and polymerization, and resultant oligomers and polyethylene waxes showed high α-olefin feature, meanwhile the distribution of oligomers mostly resembled Schulz–Flory rules. The various reaction parameters were investigated in detail, and the less bulky and electron-withdrawing substituents of ligands could enhance the catalytic activities of their ferric complexes. The observations explain the cause for unstable activities performed by stored iron(II) complexes.

Graphical abstractA series of iron(III) complexes ligated by 2-(benzimidazole)-6-(1-aryliminoethyl)pyridines was synthesized, and showed good activities towards ethylene oligomerization and polymerization.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide