Catalyst Components Based on Ferricinium Complexes Used for Olefin Polymerization

Abstract

The present invention discloses catalyst components based on ferricinium ligands, their method of preparation and their use in the polymerisation of olefins.

1 . An ferricinium ligand of formula 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein Cp is a cyclopentadienyl group, unsubstituted or substituted, with chelating arms, 
         wherein X and Y are the same or different with the restriction that at least one Y or X contains at least one chelating group in direct connection with the ferricinium, the other of Y or X being optionally present and wherein X and/or Y are each independently selected to include atoms O, N, P, S or groups —CR═CR—, —CR═N—, —N═CR— or —C≡C— wherein R is H, alkyl or aryl groups having at most 20 carbon atoms, 
         wherein Z and W are each independently selected from alkyl, aryl, heterocycle group or non-heterocycle group containing ether, thioether, phosphine, imine, amine or amide, 
         wherein iron has been oxidated with an oxidant capable to oxidate Fe II  into Fe III  but mild enough to preserve the ligand, and 
         wherein A −  is an anion associated to Fe III . 
       
     
     
         2 . The oxidised ligand of  claim 1  wherein groups Y—Z and/or X—W are each independently selected from CH═N—CH2-Ar wherein Ar is phenyl, furyl or pyridine group. 
     
     
         3 . The oxidised ligand of  claim 1  wherein there is only one substituent group Y—Z or X—W, the other being hydrogen. 
     
     
         4 . The oxidised ligand of  claim 1  wherein oxidation is carried chemically. 
     
     
         5 . The oxidised ligand of  claim 4  wherein the oxidant has a potential of from 500 to 900 mV related to calomel reference. 
     
     
         6 . A method for preparing the oxidised ligand of  claim 1  that comprises the steps of
 a) dissolving a ferrocene ligand into a solvent; 
 b) adding iodine to the solution; 
 c) stirring the mixture at a temperature of from 20 to 80° C. and during a period of time of from a few minutes to 12 hours; 
 d) evaporating the solvent; 
 e) washing with appropriate solvent to separate the reduced form of the oxidant and/or excess of the oxidant itself from the oxidised ligand. 
 f) retrieving the oxidised ligand. 
 
     
     
         7 - 13 . (canceled)