Synthesis, Electronic Structure, and Ethylene Polymerization Activity of Bis(imino)pyridine Cobalt Alkyl Cations

A new spin on polymers: the title cations comprise low-spin Co(II) centers with neutral bis(imino)pyridine chelating ligands. These complexes serve as single-component ethylene polymerization catalysts and offer insight into the mechanism of chain growth and catalyst deactivation, which occurs by forming inactive cationic bis(imino)pyridine cobalt complexes with a diethyl ether ligand.