Synthesis and Reactions of Palladium and Platinum Complexes Bearing Diphosphinidenecyclobutene Ligands: A Thermally Stable Catalyst for Ethylene Polymerization

Abstract

A cationic methylpalladium complex bearing a diphosphinidenecyclobutene ligand generated by the treatment of the corresponding dimethyl complex 1 with H(OEt2)2[BAr4] (Ar=3,5-(CF3)2C6H3), exhibits good catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization in solution (up to 128 kg h−1 (mol cat.)−1). The catalyst is thermally stable and promotes the polymerization even at 100 °C without notable decomposition.