Synthesis,structure and ethylene polymerization of group 4 complexes with phosphinoamide ligands

Group 4 complexes containing diphosphinoamide ligands [Ph₂PNR]₂MCl₂ (3: R = ^tBu, M = Ti; 4: R = ^tBu, M = Zr; 5: R = Ph, M = Ti; 6: R = Ph, M = Zr) were prepared by the reaction of MCl₄ (M = Ti; Zr) with the corresponding lithium phosphinoamides in ether or THF. The structure of [Ph₂PN^tBu]₂TiCl₂ (3) was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The phosphinoamides functioned as η²‐coordination ligands in the solid state and the Ti? N bond length suggests it is a simple single bond. In the presence of modified methylaluminoxane or i‐Bu₃Al/Ph₃BC(C₆F₅)₄, catalytic activity of up to 59.5 kg PE/mol cat h bar was observed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.