Phenoxy substituted zirconocenes in ethylene polymerization

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(97)00087-9

Zirconocene dichloride was reacted with either 2,6-di-tert-butyl-or 2,6-diisopropyl phenol to form bis(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl) zirconium(IV) monochloride complexes 1 and 2 respectively. A bisphenoxy derivative of Cp₂ZrCl₂, 3, was formed, when sterically less demanding 2,6-dimethyl phenol was utilized. The ability of the complexes 1, 2 and 3 in ethylene polymerization with MAO as cocatalyst was examined. Polymer analysis indicates that, regardless of which complex was used, only one kind of catalytically active metal center is formed and polymer properties resemble those obtained with the Cp₂ZrCl₂/MAO system. The solid state structure of bis(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl) zirconium(IV) 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenoxy monochloride (1) is reported.