Titanium and zirconium amido complexes ligated by 2,2'-Di(3-methylindolyl)methanes: synthesis, characterization, and ethylene polymerization activity

2,2'-Di(3-methylindolyl)methanes (L(2)H(2)) are introduced as dianionic, bidentate ligands of reduced pi-donating ability. Four complexes of the type L(2)Ti(NEt(2))(2) and L(2)Zr(NEt(2))(2)(THF) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR ((1)H, (13)C) spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Structural data confirm the reduced pi-donating ability of the eta(1)-indolyl moiety compared to that of diethylamido. Preliminary catalytic activities of these group 4 complexes for the polymerization of ethylene are reported.