Dialkylaminoethyl-functionalized ansa-zirconocene dichlorides: synthesis, structure, and polymerization properties

Donor substituted carbon- and silicon-bridged zirconocene dichlorides of the type [η5-C13H8-CMe2-η5-C5H3(CH2CH2NR2)]ZrCl2 (R=Me (2a), Et (2b), iPr (2c)) and [η5-C13H8–SiMe2-η5-C5H3(CH2CH2NR2)]ZrCl2 (R=Me (4a), Et, (4b), iPr (4c)) have been prepared. Activation of 2a–c and 4a–c with excess methylalumoxane results in the formation of catalytically active species for the polymerization of ethylene and propylene.