Diimine Chromium Complexes as Catalyst Precursors for Homogeneous Ethylene Polymerization

The synthesis and characterization of 19 new α- and β-diimine chromium complexes are reported. After activation with methyl aluminoxane (MAO), these complexes are catalysts for homogeneous ethylene polymerization. The influences of various substituents and the ligand backbone on the catalyst activities and the polymer properties are discussed. Oligomers with odd and even numbers of carbon atoms can be obtained. This is an indication that these catalysts cannot only oligomerize and polymerize but also isomerize and metathesize olefins simultaneously.