Synthesis of aryl coupled bis phenoxides and their use in olefin polymerization catalyst systems with activator-supports

A catalyst composition comprising a transition metal bis(phenolate) compound, an activator-support comprising a solid oxide treated with an electron-withdrawing anion, and an optional co-catalyst, wherein the transition metal bis(phenolate) compound has the formula:

• wherein:
• R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently are H or a C1 to C18 hydrocarbyl or halogenated hydrocarbyl group;
• is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, C4 to C8 heterocyclic group, wherein each RA independently is a C1 to C18 hydrocarbyl or halogenated hydrocarbyl group, and m is 0, 1, 2, or 3;
• M is Ti, Zr, or Hf;
• each X independently is a monoanionic ligand;
• and
• each L independently is a neutral ligand, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2.