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Title: Olefin oligomerization by main group Ga3+ and Zn2+ single site catalysts on SiO2
Abstract

In heterogeneous catalysis, olefin oligomerization is typically performed on immobilized transition metal ions, such as Ni2+and Cr3+. Here we report that silica-supported, single site catalysts containing immobilized, main group Zn2+and Ga3+ion sites catalyze ethylene and propylene oligomerization to an equilibrium distribution of linear olefins with rates similar to that of Ni2+. The molecular weight distribution of products formed on Zn2+is similar to Ni2+, while Ga3+forms higher molecular weight olefins. In situ spectroscopic and computational studies suggest that oligomerization unexpectedly occurs by the Cossee-Arlman mechanism via metal hydride and metal alkyl intermediates formed during olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination elementary steps. Initiation of the catalytic cycle is proposed to occur by heterolytic C-H dissociation of ethylene, which occurs at about 250 °C where oligomerization is catalytically relevant. This work illuminates new chemistry for main group metal catalysts with potential for development of new oligomerization processes.

 
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NSF-PAR ID:
10222393
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Nature Publishing Group
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Nature Communications
Volume:
12
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2041-1723
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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