Imidotungsten(VI) complexes with chelating phenols as ROMP catalysts

Tungsten(VI) complexes of the type [W(NPh)Cl3(L)] (L = chelating phenolate) were studied as catalyst precursors for ROMP of 2-norbornene, dicyclopentadiene and 5-vinyl-2-norbornene. These compounds form active catalysts when treated by ethyl magnesium bromide. Moreover, polymerisations can be run under ambient atmosphere without complicated inert atmosphere techniques. Synthesis and crystal structure of a new precursor complex [W(NPh)Cl3(LS)] (LS = 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(phenylthiomethyl)phenolate) are also described.