Spirane-bridged ansa η5-cyclopentadienyl-η5-fluorenyl-zirconocene precatalysts

Synthesis of rigid ansa-zirconocene precatalyst systems with a C2-bridge embedded in a spirane scaffold is described. Fulvenes were key intermediates in regio- and stereoselective preparation of the appropriate spirane ligands. Substitution in the cyclopentadienyl group in the ligand was effected by fulvene methodology. The zirconocenes were active precatalysts for the polymerisation of propene when activated with MAO. The structure of the parent zirconocene dichloride has been verified by X-ray crystal analysis.