Fe(II) and Co(II) pyridinebisimine complexes bearing different substituents on ortho- and para-position of imines: synthesis, characterization and behavior of ethylene polymerization

A series of 2,6-bis(imino)pyridyl iron(II) and cobalt(II) complexes [2,6-(ArNdouble bond; length as m-dashCMe)2C5H3N]MCl2 (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3, M = Fe: 3a, M = Co: 4a; Ar = 2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2, M = Fe: 3b, M = Co: 4b; Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2-4-BrC6H2, M = Fe: 3c, M = Co: 4c; Ar = 2,4-i-Pr2-6-BrC6H2, M = Fe: 3d, M = Co: 4d) has been synthesized, characterized, and investigated as precatalysts for the polymerization of ethylene in the presence of modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO). The substituents of pyridinebisimine ligands and their positions located significantly influence catalyst activity and polymer property. It is found that the catalytic activities of the iron complexes/MMAO systems are mainly dominated by electronical effect, while those of the cobalt complexes/MMAO systems are primarily controlled by hindering effect.