Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structure of (3-tert-Butylsalicylidene)naphthylamine as Proligand and Synthesis of bis(Phenoxy-imine)Zr Complex as FI Catalyst for ethylene polymerization

Since the discovery of post metallocene catalysts systems such as salicylaldimine (phenoxy-imine, FI catalysts) in late 1990s by Fujita group, there have been many researches concerningthese catalysts [1]. In general, they have found that some phenoxy-imine-based complexes of the group IV metals havevery high activity, versatility and polymerization capabilities in olefin polymerization [2]. FI catalysts particularly Zr complexes in combination withMAO as cocatalyst have displayed an extremely high activities not only for ethylene polymerization under mild condition (25ºC and atmospheric pressure for ethylene) butalso of producing ethylene-propylene and ethylene-1-hexene copolymers, atactic and isotactic polypropylene and isotacticpoly(α-olefins) .This new family of catalysts are based on complexes of non-symmetric phenoxy-imine chelate ligandsand early transition metals especially group IV (e.g., Zr, Ti, Hf) . In FI catalysts, the ligand systems can be produced by using condensation reaction of salicylaldehydes and primary amines,under standard conditions [1]. These reactions produce Schiff bases with selectivity, in high yield.