Influence of the para-substitution in bis(arylimino)pyridine iron complexes on the catalytic oligomerization and polymerization of ethylene

A series of nine bis(arylimino)pyridine iron complexes containing halogen or alkynyl substituents in their ligand frameworks was synthesized and characterized. After activation with methylalumoxane (MAO), these catalysts oligomerize or polymerize ethylene to give highly linear products. The introduction of halogen or alkynyl substituents in the para-position of the iminophenyl rings has a great influence on the polymerization activities of the corresponding iron complexes.