Homogeneous catalysts for ethylene polymerization based on bis(imino)pyridine complexes of iron, cobalt, vanadium and chromium

Results of a comparative study of ethylene polymerization activity and the structure of polyethylene (PE) produced over homogeneous catalysts based on bis(imino)pyridine complexes with close ligand frameworks and different transition metal centers (Fe(II), Co(II), Cr(III) and V(III)) are reported. The effects of the activator nature and polymerization conditions on the activity of these complexes and the resulting PE structure (molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, content of methyl and vinyl groups) have been studied. The experimental data obtained under comparable conditions demonstrate a pronounced effect of transition metal center on the catalytic properties of bis(imino)pyridine complexes (polymerization activity, copolymerization reactivity, thermal stability, PE structure, composition of optimal activator, formation of single-site or multiple-site catalytic system). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.