AIR-STABLE Ni(0)-OLEFIN COMPLEXES AND THEIR USE AS CATALYSTS OR PRECATALYSTS

Process for preparing an air-stable Ni(R)3—complex wherein Ni represents Ni(0) and R are the same or different and represents a trans-stilbene of the Formula (I):

• wherein R1 to R10 are the same or different and are selected from H, Cl, Br, F, CN, C1 to C6 alkyl, or C3 to C6 cycloalkyl, which alkyl or cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by one or more halogens,
• wherein R11 to R12 are the same or different and are selected from H, C1 to C6 alkyl, C3 to C6 cycloalkyl, —O—C1 to C6 alkyl, or —O—C3 to C6 cycloalkyl,
• said process comprising reacting a Nickel (II) compound, selected from NiF2, NiCl2, NiBr2, NiI2, Ni(OTf)2, Ni(BF4)2, Ni(OTs)2, Ni(glyme)Cl2, Ni(glyme)Br2, Ni(diglyme)Cl2, Ni(diglyme)Br2, Ni(NO3)2, Ni(OR13)2 (where R13 represents —C(O)—C1—C6-alkyl which is optionally substituted with one of more halogen), preferably Cl or F, Ni(acetyl acetonate)2, Ni(Ac)2, or mixtures thereof, is reacted with the trans-stilbene of Formula (I), preferably at least three equivalents, in the presence of an aluminum alkyl of the Formula Al(R14)3, preferably at least two equivalents, wherein R14 may be the same or different and is selected from C1 to C6 alkyl or C3 to C6 cycloalkyl.