Transition metal complexes, especially iron complexes, used as a catalyst component in the polymerisation of olefins

Abstract

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein each of X, Y, Z is independently selected from O, S, NR1, CR2R3, N and CR4, and where optionally X—Y, Y-Z, Z-E1 and X-E2 each independently form part of a saturated or unsaturated ring system which may be substituted or unsubstituted; m is 0 or 1; M is a metal selected from Ti[III], Ti[IV], Fe[II], Fe[III], Co[I], Co[II], Co[III], Ni[II], Cr[III], Mn[II], Mn[III], Mn[IV], Ru[II], Ru[III], Ru[IV], Pd[II], V[II], V[III], V[IV], V[V], Cu[I], Cu[II], Rh[I], Rh[III], Mo[III], Mo[V], Re[I] and Re[II]; each of E1 and E2 is independently selected from O, S, NR5, N, P, PR6, where at least one of either E1 or E2 carries a formal negative charge; L2 is a one electron donor ligand; n is zero or an integer such that the compound has an overall charge of zero or +1; L1 is NR7RB, PR7RB, OR7, SR7, O, S or NR16, imidazolyl, pyridinyl, benzimidazolyl or quinolinyl; each of R1-8 and R16 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group; Q is a linker group; and r is 0 or 1. Further aspects of the invention relate to catalyst compositions comprising compounds of formula (I), and their use in the polymerisation of olefinically unsaturated monomers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.