Oligomerisation of ethylene to linear α-olefins by tetrahedral cobalt(II) precursors stabilised by benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-substituted (imino)pyridine ligands

On activation by MAO, 2-(imino)pyridine cobalt dichlorides bearing a benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl substituent in the 6-position of the pyridine ring oligomerise ethylene to α-olefins with turn-over-frequencies as high as 1.5 × 106 mol of C2H4 converted (mol of Co × h)−1 and productivities as high as 3769 kg of oligomers (mol of Co × h × bar)−1. Aldimine precursors are more active than ketimine analogues, yet ketimines give higher molecular weight oligomers.