Ethylene polymerization over organochromium catalysts: A comparison between closed and open pentadienyl ligands

Divalent organochromium compounds, Cr(Lig)2, often become active catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene when deposited onto an oxide carrier such as silica or aluminophosphate. Hydroxyl groups are thought to react, releasing one ligand and binding the chromium to the surface. The behavior of the catalyst is then governed by the remaining ligand and the type of carrier. In this study two types of ligands were investigated: cyclopentadienyl and its open ring analog dimethylpentadienyl. This small difference in the type of ligand produces a fundamental difference in the polymerization mechanism. For comparison the mixed ligand chromocene, with one open and one closed ligand, was also synthesized and tested for polymerization.