Iron(II)–ethylene polymerization catalysts bearing 2,6-bis(imino)pyrazine ligands: Part II. Catalytic behaviour, homogeneous and heterogeneous insights

A series of new iron(II) complexes bearing tridentate pyrazine-bis(2,6-arylimino) ligands where the aryl groups are 1-naphthyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, and 2,6-diisopropylphenyl have been used as ethylene polymerization catalysts after activation with alkylaluminiums. The new complexes display a lesser catalytic activity than those bearing the corresponding pyridine-bis(2,6-arylimino) ligands. Varying the steric bulkiness of the aromatic groups in the tridentate ligands and the polymerization conditions affects the catalytic productivity.

Graphical abstractNew iron(II) complexes ligated to tridentate pyrazine-bis(2,6-arylimino) ligands have been used as ethylene polymerization catalysts after activation with alkylaluminiums. The new complexes display a lesser catalytic activity than those ligated to the corresponding pyridine-bis(2,6-arylimino) ligands. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide