The role of phosphine and 1,2-diimine complexes of nickel in the oxidation states 0, +1, and +2 in the catalyzed di-, oligo-, and polymerization of ethylene

Abstract

The turnover frequency and number have been determined for eighteen catalytic systems based on triphenylphosphine and 1,4-diazo-1,3-butadiene complexes of nickel in the formal oxidation states 0, +1, and +2 in the oligoand polymerization of lower alkenes. The main catalytic characteristics are almost independent of the oxidation state of nickel in the precursor and depend on the nature and concentration of the cocatalyst (Lewis acid). The catalytic systems have been studied by ESR. The ESR spectral parameters are presented for nickel(I) 1,4-diazo-1,3-butadiene complexes and radical anions resulting from the reactions of the cocatalyst with nickel α-diimine complexes. Reactions describing the formation, functioning, decomposition, and regeneration of the catalytically active nickel hydride complexes are proposed.