omega-phenylalkyl substituted amido functionalized ansa half-sandwich complexes of titanium and zirconium and metallacycles thereof as catalyst precursors for homogeneous ethylene polymerization

The preparation and characterization of omega -phenylalkyl substituted ansa half-sandwich dichloride complexes of titanium and zirconium is described. These complexes react with butyllithium to give metallacycles via a CH act ivation reaction on the ortho position of the phenyl group. All complexes w ere used as catalyst precursors for homogeneous ethylene polymerization. Th e effect of the catalyst structure on the polyethylene properties is discus sed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.