Neutral Bimetallic Nickel(II) Phenoxyiminato Catalysts for Highly Branched Polyethylenes and Ethylene−Norbornene Copolymerizations

The synthesis and characterization of novel bimetallic, neutrally charged dinickel 2,7-diimino-1,8-dioxynaphthalene polymerization catalysts is reported. Ethylene polymerizations as well as ethylene-co-norbornene copolymerizations display increased catalytic activity, methyl branch formation, and comonomer enchainment selectivity versus the monometallic analogues. Furthermore, these systems turn over in the absence of cocatalyst under mild conditions.