Phenoxy–Ether Ligated Ti Complexes for the Polymerization of Ethylene

Abstract Summary: Bis(phenoxy–ether) Ti complexes were investigated as ethylene polymerization catalysts. The complexes, combined with iBu3Al/Ph3CB(C6F5)4 or methylaluminoxane (MAO) cocatalysts, can be highly active single‐site catalysts, which display activities ( turnover frequency, max. 2 065 min−1) comparable with that of a highly active bis(phenoxy–imine) Ti complex/MAO system, and provide very high molecular weight polyethylenes ($\overline M _{\rm v}$ 2 040 000–5 420 000) at 25 °C under atmospheric pressure. Synthesis of polyethylene using bis(phenoxy–ether) Ti complexes, an example of which is shown. magnified image Synthesis of polyethylene using bis(phenoxy–ether) Ti complexes, an example of which is shown.