Unsymmetrical α‐diimine nickel (II) complex with rigid bicyclic ring ligand: Synthesis,characterization, and ethylene polymerization in the presence of AlEt2Cl

Unsymmetrical α‐diimine ligand 1 was successfully synthesized via condensation of trimethylaluminum (TMA) metalated 2‐methyl‐6‐isopropyl‐aniline with rigid bicyclic aliphatic diketone camphorquinone. Syn‐ and anti‐stereoisomers were detected by ¹³C NMR in the condensation product. The corresponding α‐diimine nickel (II) complex 1 was prepared from the exchange reaction of (DME)NiBr₂ with the ligand 1 , and displayed high activity for ethylene polymerization in the presence of diethylaluminum chloride (AlEt₂Cl). The resultant polymers were confirmed by gel permeation chromatography and ¹³C NMR characterization to be broad molecular weight distribution polyethylene with various branches, and high degree of branching, even at low polymerization temperature ?10°C. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008