Cobalt dichloride complexes with pyridyl-phosphine bidentate ligands: synthesis, characterization, and behavior in the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene

New cobalt dichloride complexes with pyridyl-phosphine bidentate ligands were synthesized and characterized. Single crystals were obtained, and their molecular structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The complexes were then used in combination with methylaluminoxane (MAO) for the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene, obtaining predominantly cis-1,4 polymers or with a mixed cis-1,4/1,2 structure depending on the type of ligand and on the MAO/Co molar ratio. A plausible interpretation for this behavior is provided.

Automated summary

New cobalt dichloride complexes with pyridyl-phosphine bidentate ligands were synthesized and characterized. Their molecular structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The complexes were used in the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene with methylaluminoxane (MAO), resulting in predominantly cis-1,4 polymers or mixed cis-1,4/1,2 structures depending on the ligand and MAO/Co molar ratio. A plausible interpretation for this behavior is provided.