Bridged and unbridged substituted indenyl complexes of titanium and zirconium as catalysts for homogeneous and heterogeneous homo- and copolymerization of olefins

Bridged and unbridged indenyl half-sandwich complexes of titanium and zirconium with omega-alkenyl functions in position 2 of the indenyl ring were synthesized and characterized. After activation with methylalumoxane (MAO), these complexes were used as homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for the homopolymerization of ethylene and propylene and the copolymerization of ethylene and 1,7-octadiene. Due to the w-alkenyl function of the substituent, these complexes can undergo reactions with the monomeric olefin to give self-immobilization combining the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.