The catalytic oligomerization
of ethylene with chromium-based complexes
containing bis(benzimidazolemethyl)amine (BIMA) ligands results in
alternating distributions of linear α-olefins (LAOs). Extremely
high activities are obtained (>100 000 g mmol–1 h–1 bar–1) with N-alkyl-substituted BIMA ligands, whereas bulky groups on the central
nitrogen or alternative central donors result in much lower activities.
Variations in the ligand backbone, as well as methylation of the benzimidazole
units, lead to reduction in activity. The alternating LAO distributions
have been mathematically analyzed using second-order recurrence relations.
The shape of the distributions is affected by ethylene pressure (1–4
bar) and by the cocatalyst to some degree. On the basis of the results
and analysis presented herein, we propose that the alternating behavior
originates from the ability of these chromium BIMA catalysts to undergo
single as well as double ethylene insertion reactions. A minor second
distribution (<5 wt %) of 2-ethyl-1-alkenes is obtained under certain
conditions, resulting from incorporation of 1-butene. DFT studies
(M06L) and experimental observations regarding the reaction between
AlMe3 and the N-methyl BIMA ligand 2 have shown that deprotonation of the benzimidazole N–H
units can occur, which suggests a change in coordination of the BIMA
ligand under oligomerization conditions.