Synthesis, Characterization, and Ethylene Oligomerization of 2,6-Bis(imino)phenoxy Cobalt Complexes

Abstract

A series of cobalt complexes bearing 2,6-bis(imino)phenoxy ligands were synthesized by treating the ligand 2,6-bis(imino)phenol with a molar equivalent of cobalt dichloride. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. The structure of the resulting complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction; it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a 22.313(3) Å, b 14.7078(15) Å, c 17.7652(17) Å, β 107.96(7)°, and V 5546.0(10) ų. The coordination geometry around the cobalt atom can be described in terms of a distorted tetrahedral bonded with one phenoxy oxygen, one imino nitrogen, and two chloride atoms. In the presence of a methylaluminoxane cocatalyst, this and related complexes displayed catalytic activities towards ethylene oligomerization.