C2-bridged metallocene dichloride complexes of the types (C13H8-CH2CHR-C9H 6-nR′n)ZrCl2 and (C13H8-CH2CHR-C13H 8)MCl2 (n=0, 1; R=H, alkenyl; R′=alkenyl, benzyl; M=Zr, Hf) as self-immobilizing catalyst precursors for ethylene polymerization

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(98)00736-0

A total of 15 C₂-bridged fluorenylidene indenylidene and bis(fluorenylidene) metal dichloride complexes (metal=Zr, Hf) and the corresponding ligand precursors have been prepared and characterized. ω-Alkenyl substituents with various chain lengths in the C₂-bridge or in position 3 of the indenylidene moiety have an impact on the polymerization activity of the catalysts and the molecular weights of the produced polyethylenes. These ω-alkenyl substituents cause 'self-immobilization' due to their incorporation into the backbone of a growing polymer chain providing heterogeneous catalyst systems.