Functionalized star-like polystyrenes as organic supports of a tridentate bis(imino)pyridinyliron/aluminic derivative catalytic system for ethylene polymerization

Star-like polystyrenes composed of a microgel core with arms functionalized with a few hydroxy- or methoxy-ended ethylene oxide units were used as organic supports for a tridentate bis(imino)pyridinyliron catalyst towards ethylene polymerization. When used as supports of 2,6-bis[1-2,6(diisopropylphenyl)imino]ethylpyridynyl iron dichloride in the presence of various alkylaluminium compounds, the supported catalysts enabled the production, with a high catalytic activity, of polyethylene beads of a spherical morphology and high bulk density. A good control of the polyethylene molar mass distribution could also be achieved, which was explained by a lowering of the transfer reaction to the aluminium derivative, as compared to homogeneous conditions.