Selective Oligomerization of Ethylene to Linear a-Olefins by Tetrahedral Cobalt(II) Complexes with 6-(Organyl)-2-(imino)pyridyl Ligands: Influence of the Heteroatom in the Organyl Group on the Catalytic Activity

The oligomerization of ethylene to a-olefins has been obtained by MAO activation of tetrahedral CoII complexes of iminopyridines substituted in the 6-position of the pyridine ring by thiophen-2yl, furan-2-yl or phenyl groups. The substituent affects both the oligomerization activity and selectivity. A change in the CoII spin state upon activation of the bis-chloride precursors with MAO has been observed.