Synthesis of Branched Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Using Highly Active Neutral, Single-Component Ni(II) Catalysts

Neutral nickel methyl complexes incorporating 2,8-diarylnaphthyl groups have been synthesized and characterized. Salicylaldiminato nickel systems <b>1a,b</b> are exceptionally active neutral nickel single component catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene capable of producing lightly branched ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In addition, complex <b>1a</b> shows a “quasi-living” polymerization behavior