Work

Ethylene and 1-butene Oligomerization with Benzimidazole Complexes of Nickel and Iron: A Case of Tandem Reaction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The coordination chemistry of benzimidazole ligands combines σ donation and π backbonding. Owing to this electronic flexibility, benzimidazole ligands stabilize both electron deficient and electron-rich transition states in the catalytic cycle of Ziegler-Natta polymerizations. In this study, Fe(III) and Ni(II) complexes of 2-substituted-benzimidazoles were tested as catalysts for ethylene and 1-butene oligomerization. The tests realized in toluene yielded mainly butenes and minor amounts of hexenes. When dichloromethane was used as solvent, a tandem reaction took place and 1-butene produced by ethylene dimerization was further oligomerized, yielding octenes and dodecenes as main products. All tested catalysts exhibited moderate selectivity for 1-octene, indicating 1-ω enchainment in 1-butene dimerization. Beyond catalytic tests, a theoretical study of the ligand 2,2′-(furan-2,5-diyl)bis(1H-benzimidazole) confirmed the planar structure of this compound as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy.

Source: Reactions

DOI: 10.3390/reactions6040051

Authors: Nelson N. dos Santos, Marcos F. Silva, Alexandre F. Young, Marcos L. Dias, Mariana M. V. M. Souza

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Organometallic Complex Synthesis and Catalysis

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funder: Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro