The novel [Ni{(Ph2P)2N(CH2)3Si(OCH3)3-P,P´}I2] complex: Structural features and catalytic reactivity in the oligomerization of ethylene

Abstract

The novel [Ni{(Ph2P)2N(CH2)3Si(OCH3)3-P,P´}I2] complex (1) was synthesized and investigated by a variety of spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H and 31P NMR). The molecular structure of 1, determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, was compared with those of the analogue [Ni{(Ph2P)2N(CH2)3Si(OCH3)3-P,P´}Cl2] complex (2) and the recently reported [Ni{iCPrP)2NH-P,P´}I2] complex. Complexes 1 and 2 were tested as homogeneous catalysts for the oligomerization of ethylene, leading to the formation of C4 and, to a smaller extent, C6 products, in moderate yields