Late transition metal complexes bearing 2,9-bis(imino)-1,10-phenanthrolinyl ligands: synthesis, characterization and their ethylene activity

A series of iron, cobalt and nickel halide complexes, LMX2 (M=Fe, X=Cl; M=Co, X=Cl; M=Ni, X=Br) bearing 2,9-bis(imino)-1,10-phenanthrolinyl ligands [L=2,9-(ArNCH)2C12H6N2] were synthesized. The solid-state structures of 4 and 7 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Treatment of the complexes LMX2 with methylaluminoxane (MAO) leaded to activate ethylene as oligomerization catalysts.