Preparation of (Cp * ) {C5Me4CH2B(C6F5) 3}ZrPh, a novel zwitterionic single-component alkene polymerisation catalyst

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(97)00389-6

B(C₆F₅)₃ reacts with the fulvene complex (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(π-η⁵: σ-η¹-tetramethylfulvene)phenylzirconium (Cp * FvZrPh) (I) selectively under attack at the fulvene-CH₂ group to form the highly sensitive zwitterionic complex (Cp * ){(C₅Me₄CH₂-B(C₆F₅)₃}ZrPh (II). Mixtures of I with either B(C₆F₅)₃ or [CPh₃][B(C₆F₅)₄] are highly active for the polymerisation of ethene over a wide range of temperatures.