Recent advances on asymmetric α-diimine nickel catalysts for polymerization of ethylene

As an important class of late-transition metal catalysts, α-diimine nickel complexes have extensive application prospects in the field of ethylene polymerization. Among them, asymmetric diimine nickel catalysts have attracted significant attention from the academic community in recent years due to the high modifiability of their ligand skeletons and excellent catalytic polymerization performance. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of asymmetric diimine nickel catalysts, with a focus on discussing two aspects: the preparation methods of ligands and the progress of structural evolution. Studies have shown that through rational ligand design, the steric and electronic effects of the catalysts can be effectively regulated, thereby optimizing their catalytic performance. Based on the existing research results, this paper further prospects the development potential of this type of catalysts in the field of olefin polymerization.