The high activity of MAO-activated bis(imino)pyridine iron dihalide complexes in ethylene polymerization has prompted investigation into the nature of the propagating species. Unlike more commonly used d0 compounds, these investigations are complicated by the accessibility of multiple spin and oxidation states at the iron center and the ability of the bis(imino)pyridine ligand to directly participate in redox events. We have prepared a family of bis(imino)pyridine iron alkyl complexes, studied their redox chemistry, and elucidated their electronic structures. Variations of the hybridization of the alkyl group on the iron, and the aryl substituents on the bis(imino)pyridine ligand were studied to determine the effects of hybridization, chain length, and sterics on the electronic structures. These compounds have been characterized using M�ssbauer, EPR, SQUID, XAS, and XES spectroscopies, as well as computational methods. This study has broad applications towards understanding the role of the iron center and bis(imino)pyridine ligand in iron-mediated olefin polymerizations.

Investigation of the electronic structures of intermediates in iron-catalyzed olefin polymerization

244th National Meeting (2012)

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