Synthesis, structure and norbornene polymerization behavior of nickel complexes bearing two β-ketoiminato chelate ligands

A series of nickel(II) complexes bearing two nonsymmetric bidentate β-ketoiminato chelate ligands have been prepared, and the structures of complexes [(2,6-Me2C6H3)NC(CH3)C(H)C(Ph)O]2Ni (4a) and [(2,6-Me2C6H3)NC(CH3)C(H)C(CF3)O]2Ni (4c) have been confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. These nickel(II) complexes were investigated as catalysts for the vinylic polymerization of norbornene. Using modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) as a cocatalyst, these complexes display very high activities and produce high molecular weight polymers. Catalytic activity of up to 1.16 × 104 kg/molNi · h and the viscosity-average molecular weight of polymer of up to 870 kg/mol were observed. Catalyst activity, polymer yield, and polymer molecular weight could be controlled over a wide range by the variation of the reaction parameters such as Al/Ni molar ratio, norbornene/catalyst molar ratio, monomer concentration, polymerization reaction temperature and time.