Catalysis of olefin oligomerization by Ni(I) complexes

Abstract

Activity of nickel-complex catalysts is traditionally attributed with hydride Ni(II) complexes generated by oxidation of Ni(0) particles with Brnsted acids. In this work catalytic activity of Ni(I) complexes obtained in the system Ni(PPh 3 ) 4 /BF 3 OEt 2 have been studied. On the basis of EPR and 1 H NMR data, the formation of dimeric catalytic complexes with ethylene and styrene has been found. Ethylene transformation on Ni(I) catalyst results in 1-butene, 2-butene and trimers mixture. In the case of styrene, the polymers with molecular mass 2500 were obtained. These polymers contain terminal double bonds which can be used in design of new graft copolymers.