Synthesis of Bis(Phenoxyimine)Zirconium Dichloride Complexes Containing Bromo, lodo, or Alkynyl Substituted Phenoxyimine Ligands as Catalyst Precursors for the Polymerization of Ethylene

A series of 23 bis(phenoxyimine)zirconium complexes (FI complexes) containing halogen or alkynyl substituents in their ligand frameworks was synthesized and characterized. After activation with methylalumoxane (MAO), these catalysts polymerize ethylene with good activities. Halogen or alkynyl functions may be used as anchoring points in subsequent Sonogashira type coupling reactions.