Synthesis, characterization and olefin polymerization of the nickel catalysts supported by [N,S] ligands

The novel nickel (II) complexes (2a, 2b) bearing 1-pyridyl-(3-substituedimidazole-2-thione) ligands were synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding ligands with NiBr2(DME). 2a and 2b have been characterized by IR, NMR and elemental analysis. The nickel complexes show high catalytic activities for norbornene polymerization in the presence of MAO (methylaluminoxane), although low activities for ethylene polymerization. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.