Olefin Polymerization with [{bis(imino)pyridyl}CoIICl2]: Generation of the Active Species Involves CoI

Abstract

Activated by reduction: On treatment with methylaluminoxane (MAO), the Brookhart/Gibson cobalt-based polymerization precatalyst [LCoIICl2] is first reduced to [LCoICl], subsequently alkylated to [LCoIMe], and finally converted into the (as yet unknown) active species (see scheme, PE=polyethene).