Bis(carbene)pyridine Complexes of Cr(III): Exceptionally Active Catalysts for the Oligomerization of Ethylene

Pincer-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Cr(III), of the form [2,6-(1-alkylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine]CrCl3, have been prepared and evaluated as catalysts for the oligomerization of ethylene to α-olefins. In combination with methylaluminoxane cocatalyst, exceptionally high activities are obtained, ranging up to ca. 40000 g mmol-1 bar-1 h-1. Copyright © 2003 American Chemical Society.