Functionalized pyridinyl–imine complexes of palladium as catalyst precursors for ethylene polymerization

Mononuclear pyridinyl–imine complexes of palladium containing functionalities attached to the alkyl or aromatic group bonded to the imino nitrogen were prepared and evaluated as potential catalyst precursors for ethylene polymerization. Activated by methylaluminoxane these complexes were found to be efficient ethylene polymerization catalysts. Complexes containing either allyl, styryl and phenol functionalities were found to be more active catalysts than a standard pyridinyl–imine complex containing an unfunctionalized aliphatic substituent.

Graphical abstractMononuclear pyridinyl–imine complexes of palladium containing functionalities attached to the alkyl or aromatic group bonded to the imino nitrogen, when activated with MAO yield active catalysts for ethylene polymerization. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide