# Patent

## Title
Metallocene compounds

## Abstract

A metallocene compound of formula (I) wherein: M is an atom of a transition metal; X, same or different, is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2 group, wherein R is C1-C40 hydrocarbon group; L is a divalent bridging group; R1, is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group; R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group; R2, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups.

## Background
The present invention relates to metallocene compounds containing a benzoindenyl moiety having a well-defined substitution pattern. The invention further relates to the use of said metallocene compounds as catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins and the polymerization process thereof.
For the purpose of the present invention the numeration of the positions of the benzoindenyl and indenyl moieties is as set forth below in the moieties of formula (a) and (b):




Metallocene compounds containing a benzoindenyl moiety are known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,821. However, even if in this document the general formula embraces a plethora of substituted benzoindenyl-containing metallocene compounds, the compounds exemplified are not substituted in position 5 of the benzoindenyl ring.
EP 754 698 discloses dimethylsilylene(2,7-dimethyl-4,5-(2-methyl-benzo)-1-indenyl)(2,7-di-t-butyl-9-fluorenyl)zirconium dicloride. As reported in table 1 this compound has a polymerization activity lower than the correspondent unsubstituted benzoindeny compound.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,795 reports, in a long list of compounds, phenyl(methyl)silandiylbis(2-methyl-4,5-(methylbenzo)-1-indenyl)Zr(CH3)2, and phenyl(methyl)silandiylbis(2-methyl-4,5-(tetramethylbenzo)-1-indenyl)Zr(CH3)2. In the first compound no indications are given about the position of the methyl group, that on the contrary as shown in the comparative examples of the present invention is important for improving the activity of these metallocene compounds when used in polymerization reactions.
The applicant found that it is possible to increase the polymerization activity of a metallocene compound containing a 4,5-benzoindenyl moiety, when it is used as catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins, by substituting the 4,5-benzoindenyl moiety in position 5.
An object of the present invention is a metallocene compound of formula (I):




wherein:

M is an atom of a transition metal selected from those belonging to group 3, 4, 5, 6 or to the lanthanide or actinide groups in the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably M is titanium, zirconium or hafnium;

p is an integer from 0 to 3, preferably p is 2, being equal to the formal oxidation state of the metal M minus 2;

X, same or different, is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2 group, wherein R is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radicals; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; or two X can optionally form a substituted or unsubstituted butadienyl radical or a OR′O group wherein R′ is a divalent radical selected from C1-C40 alkylidene, C6-C40 arylidene, C7-C40 alkylarylidene and C7-C40 arylalkylidene radicals; preferably X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a R group; more preferably X is chlorine or a methyl radical;

L is a divalent bridging group selected from C1-C20 alkylidene, C3-C20 cycloalkylidene, C6-C20 arylidene, C7-C20 alkylarylidene, or C7-C20 arylalkylidene radicals optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and silylidene radical containing up to 5 silicon atoms such as SiMe2, SiPh2; preferably L is a group Z(R′′)2 wherein Z is a carbon or a silicon atom, and R′′ is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C6-C10-aryl, C7-C10-alkylaryl or C7-C10-arylalkyl radicals optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; more preferably the group Z(R′′)2 is Si(CH3)2, SiPh2, SiPhMe, SiMe(SiMe3), CH2, (CH2)2, and C(CH3)2;

R1, is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R1 is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; more preferably R1 is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20-alkyl radical; even more preferably R1 is a methyl, an ethyl or an isopropyl radical;

R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R3 is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; more preferably R3 is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20-alkyl or a C6-C40-aryl, radical; even more preferably R3 is a methyl, an ethyl or a phenyl radical;

R2, R4 and R5, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; with the proviso that least one among R2, R4 and R5 is a hydrogen atom; preferably R2, R4 and R5, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radicals; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; with the proviso that least one among R2, R4 and R5 is a hydrogen atom; more preferably R2, R4 and R5 are hydrogen atoms;

R3 with R4 and/or R4 with R5 can also join to form a aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; said ring can bear one or more hydrocarbon substituents having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radicals; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; more preferably R6 and R7 are hydrogen atoms or linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20-alkyl radicals; even more preferably R6 and R7 are hydrogen atoms or a methyl radicals;

R8, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C50 hydrocarbon groups optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; two or more R8 groups can also join together to form one or more 3-7 membered rings, said rings contain at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; said rings can be further substituted with C1-C20 hydrocarbon groups optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements;

A subclass of the compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (II)




wherein M, X, p, L R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have been described above;

R10 is, a hydrogen atom or C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R10 is a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; more preferably R10 is a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical such as a methyl radical, an ethyl radical or an isopropyl radical; preferably R1 and R10 are not branched C1-C40-alkyl radical at the same time.

R11, R12, R13 and R14, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R11, R12, R13 and R14, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radicals; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; two adjacent R11, R12, R13 and R14 groups can also join to form a 3-7 membered ring optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; said ring can bear one or more hydrocarbon substituents having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; more preferably R11 is a C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical or form with R12 a phenyl ring that can be substituted with hydrocarbon groups having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

more preferably R12 is a hydrogen atoms or form with R11 3-7 membered ring as explained above;

more preferably R14 and R13 are hydrogen atoms or C1-C20 alkyl radicals.

A preferred class of compounds of formula (II) is a compound of formula (III)




wherein M, X, p, L R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, R13 and R14 have been described above. A further subclass of the compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IV)





wherein M, X, p, L R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have been described above; R15 and R16, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably R15 and R16, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C2-C40 alkenyl, C2-C40 alkynyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radicals; optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; more preferably R15 and R16 are linear or branched C1-C40-alkyl radicals optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or trimethylsilyl radicals.

The metallocene compounds of formula (I) can be obtained with the process comprising the following steps:

    (a) contacting the compound of formula (Ia)






    
    
        and/or its double bond isomers
        wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and L have the meaning described above with a base selected from TjB, TMgT1, sodium and potassium hydride, metallic sodium and potassium, wherein B is an alkaline or alkali-earth metal; and j is 1 or 2, j being equal to 1 when B is an alkaline metal, preferably lithium, and j being equal to 2 when B is an alkali-earth metal; T is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C20-alkyl, C6-C20-aryl, C7-C20-alkylaryl or C7-C20-arylalkyl radical, optionally containing one or more Si or Ge atoms; preferably T is methyl or butyl radical; T1 is an halogen atom or a group OR′′′ wherein R′′′ is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C1-C40-alkyl, C6-C40-aryl, C7-C40-alkylaryl or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; preferably T1 is an halogen atom, more preferably bromine; wherein the molar ratio between said base and the ligand of the formula (Ia) and is at least 2:1; excess of said base can be used; and
    
    
    a) contacting the product obtained in step a) with a compound of formula MXp+2 wherein M, X and p have the meaning described above.


The ligands of formula (Ia) can be obtained with a process comprising the following steps:

    a) contacting a compound of formula (VI):






    
    
        and/or its double bond isomer
        wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 R6 and R7 are defined as above;
        with a base selected from TjB, TMgT1, sodium and potassium hydride, metallic sodium and potassium; wherein T, j, B and T1 are defined as above, and wherein the molar ratio between said base and the compound of the formula (VI) is at least 1:1; excess of said base can be used;
    
    
    b) contacting the anionic compound obtained in step a) with a compound of formula (VII):






    
    
        wherein R8 and L are defined as above and Y is chlorine, bromine and iodine, preferably Y is chlorine or bromine.
    
    


An alternative process for preparing the ligand of formula (I) comprises the following steps:

    a) contacting a compound of formula (VIIa):






    
    
        and/or its double bond isomer
        wherein R8 is defined as above;
        with a base selected from TjB, TMgT1, sodium and potassium hydride, metallic sodium and potassium; wherein T, j, B and T1 are defined as above, and wherein the molar ratio between said base and the compound of the formula (VIIa) is at least 1:1; excess of said base can be used;
    
    
    b) contacting the anionic compound obtained in step a) with a compound of formula (VIa):






    
    
        wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and L are defined as above and Y is chlorine, bromine and iodine, preferably Y is chlorine or bromine.
    
    


The above processes are preferably carried out in an aprotic solvent, either polar or apolar. Said aprotic solvent is preferably an aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon, optionally halogenated, or an ether; more preferably it is selected from benzene, toluene, pentane, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, diethylether, tetrahydrofurane and mixtures thereof. The above process is carried out at a temperature ranging from −100° C. to +80° C., more preferably from −20° C. to +70° C.
A further object of the present invention is a ligand of formula (Ia)




    
    
        and/or its double bond isomers

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and L have the meaning described above.

    
    


Metallocene compounds of formulas (II) (III) (IV) can be prepared by using the process described above starting respectively from the ligands of formulas (IIa), (IIIa) and (IVa) and/or their double bonds isomers:








wherein LX R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15 and R16, have been described above.

The ligand of formulas (IIa), (IIIa), and (IVa) can be prepared according to the process described above by using the corresponding starting compounds.
The compounds of formula (VI) and (VIa) can be prepared according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,821, by using the opportunely substituted naphtalene moiety as starting compound.
The metallocene compounds object of the present invention can be used as catalyst components for obtaining a catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins. Therefore a further object of the present invention is a catalyst system obtainable by contacting:
a) at least a metallocene compound of formula (I);
b) at least an alumoxane or a compound able to form an alkylmetallocene cation; and
c) optionally an organo aluminum compound.
Preferably at least a metallocene compound of formulas (II), (III) and (IV) is used.
Alumoxanes used as component b) can be obtained by reacting water with an organo-aluminium compound of formula HjAlU3-j or HjAl2U6-j, where the U substituents, same or different, are hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, C1-C20-alkyl, C3-C20-cyclalkyl, C6-C20-aryl, C7-C20-alkylaryl or C7-C20-arylalkyl radicals, optionally containing silicon or germanium atoms, with the proviso that at least one U is different from halogen, and j ranges from 0 to 1, being also a non-integer number. In this reaction the molar ratio of Al/water is preferably comprised between 1:1 and 100:1.
The molar ratio between aluminium and the metal of the metallocene is generally comprised between about 10:1 and about 30000:1, preferably between about 100:1 and about 5000:1.
The alumoxanes used in the catalyst according to the invention are considered to be linear, branched or cyclic compounds containing at least one group of the type:




wherein n1 is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 40 and the substituents U are defined as above; and/or a group of the type:





in the case of cyclic compounds, wherein n2 is an integer from 2 to 40 and the U substituents are defined as above.

Examples of alumoxanes suitable for use according to the present invention are methylalumoxane MAO), tetra-(isobutyl)alumoxane (TIBAO), tetra-(2,4,4-trimethyl-pentyl)alumoxane (TIOAO), tetra-(2,3-dimethylbutyl)alumoxane (TDMBAO) and tetra-(2,3,3-trimethylbutyl)alumoxane (TTMBAO).
Particularly interesting cocatalysts are those described in WO99/21899 and in WO01/21674 in which the alkyl and aryl groups have specific branched patterns.
Non-limiting examples of aluminium compounds that can be reacted with water to give suitable alumoxanes (b), described in WO 99/21899 and WO01/21674, are: tris(2,3,3-trimethyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2,3-dimethyl-hexyl)aluminium, tris(2,3-dimethyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2,3-dimethyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2,3-dimethyl-heptyl)aluminium, tris(2-methyl-3-ethyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2-methyl-3-ethyl-hexyl)aluminium, tris(2-methyl-3-ethyl-heptyl)aluminium, tris(2-methyl-3-propyl-hexyl)aluminium, tris(2-ethyl-3-methyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-ethyl-3-methyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2,3-diethyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2-propyl-3-methyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-isopropyl-3-methyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-isobutyl-3-methyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2,3,3-trimethyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2,3,3-trimethyl-hexyl)aluminium, tris(2-ethyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-ethyl-3,3-dimethyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris(2-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-trimethylsilyl-propyl)aluminium, tris(2-methyl-3-phenyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-ethyl-3-phenyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2,3-dimethyl-3-phenyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-phenyl-propyl)aluminium, tris[2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propyl]aluminium, tris[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propyl]aluminium, tris[2-(3-isopropyl-phenyl)-propyl]aluminium, tris(2-phenyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(3-methyl-2-phenyl-butyl)aluminium, tris(2-phenyl-pentyl)aluminium, tris[2-(pentafluorophenyl)-propyl]aluminium, tris[2,2-diphenyl-ethyl]aluminium and tris[2-phenyl-2-methyl-propyl]aluminium, as well as the corresponding compounds wherein one of the hydrocarbyl groups is replaced with a hydrogen atom, and those wherein one or two of the hydrocarbyl groups are replaced with an isobutyl group.
Amongst the above aluminium compounds, trimethylaluminium (TMA), triisobutylaluminium (TIBA), tris(2,4,4-trimethyl-pentyl)aluminium (TIOA), tris(2,3-dimethylbutyl)aluminium (TDMBA) and tris(2,3,3-trimethylbutyl)aluminium (TTMBA) are preferred.
Non-limiting examples of compounds able to form an alkylmetallocene cation are compounds of formula D+E−, wherein D+ is a Brønsted acid, able to donate a proton and to react irreversibly with a substituent X of the metallocene of formula (I) and E− is a compatible anion, which is able to stabilize the active catalytic species originating from the reaction of the two compounds, and which is sufficiently labile to be removed by an olefinic monomer. Preferably, the anion E− comprises one or more boron atoms. More preferably, the anion E− is an anion of the formula BAr4(−), wherein the substituents Ar which can be identical or different are aryl radicals such as phenyl, pentafluorophenyl or bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl. Tetrakis-pentafluorophenyl borate is particularly preferred compound, as described in WO 91/02012. Moreover, compounds of formula BAr3 can be conveniently used. Compounds of this type are described, for example, in the International patent application WO 92/00333. Other examples of compounds able to form an alkylmetallocene cation are compounds of formula BAr3P wherein P is a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrol radical. These compounds are described in WO01/62764. Compounds containing boron atoms can be conveniently supported according to the description of DE-A-19962814 and DE-A-19962910. All these compounds containing boron atoms can be used in a molar ratio between boron and the metal of the metallocene comprised between about 1:1 and about 10:1; preferably 1:1 and 2.1; more preferably about 1:1.
Non limiting examples of compounds of formula D+E− are:

    Triethylammoniumtetra(phenyl)borate,
    Tributylammoniumtetra(phenyl)borate,
    Trimethylammoniumtetra(tolyl)borate,
    Tributylammoniumtetra(tolyl)borate,
    Tributylammoniumtetra(pentafluorophenyl)borate,
    Tributylammoniumtetra(pentafluorophenyl)aluminate,
    Tripropylammoniumtetra(dimethylphenyl)borate,
    Tributylammoniumtetra(trifluoromethylphenyl)borate,
    Tributylammoniumtetra(4-fluorophenyl)borate,
    N,N-Dimethylbenzylammonium-tetrakispentafluorophenylborate,
    N,N-Dimethylhexylamonium-tetrakispentafluorophenylborate,
    N,N-Dimethylaniliniumtetra(phenyl)borate,
    N,N-Diethylaniliniumtetra(phenyl)borate,
    N,N-Dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,
    N,N-Dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)aluminate,
    N,N-Dimethylbenzylammonium-tetrakispentafluorophenylborate,
    N,N-Dimethylhexylamonium-tetrakispentafluorophenylborate,
    Di(propyl)ammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,
    Di(cyclohexyl)ammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,
    Triphenylphosphoniumtetrakis(phenyl)borate,
    Triethylphosphoniumtetrakis(phenyl)borate,
    Diphenylphosphoniumtetrakis(phenyl)borate,
    Tri(methylphenyl)phosphoniumtetrakis(phenyl)borate,
    Tri(dimethylphenyl)phosphonium tetrakis(phenyl)borate,
    Triphenylcarbeniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,
    Triphenylcarbeniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)aluminate,
    Triphenylcarbeniumtetrakis(phenyl)aluminate,
    Ferroceniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,
    Ferroceniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)aluminate.
    Triphenylcarbeniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, and
    N,N-Dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate.


Organic aluminum compounds used as compound c) are those of formula HjAlU3-j or HjAl2U6-j as described above.
The catalyst system object of the present invention can be used for (co)polymerizing one or more olefins. Therefore a further object of the present invention is a process for (co)polymerizing olefins containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms comprising contacting one or more of said olefins under polymerization conditions in the presence of the catalyst system described above. Preferably alpha-olefins containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms are used.
Examples of alpha-olefins that can be used with the process of the present invention are: ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 4,6-dimethyl-1-heptene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene and 1-eicosene. Preferred olefins are propylene, ethylene and 1-butene.
The following examples are given for illustrative purpose and do not intend to limit the invention.


EXAMPLES
General Procedures
All operations were performed under nitrogen by using conventional Shlenk-line techniques. Solvents were purified by degassing with nitrogen and passing over activated Al2O3 and stored under nitrogen. All compounds were analyzed by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR on a DPX 200 Bruker spectrometer. Due to the low solubility of the Zirconocene, the 13C-NMR spectra of this compound were performed on a Bruker DPX 400 in CD2Cl4 at 120° C.
The melting points of the polymers (Tm) were measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (D.S.C.) on Perkin Elmer DSC-7 instrument, according to the standard method. A weighted sample (5-10 mg) obtained from the polymerization was sealed into aluminum pans and heated at 200° C. with a scanning speed corresponding to 20° C./minute. The sample was kept at 200° C. for 5 minutes to allow a complete melting of all the crystallites. Successively, after cooling to 0° C. with a scanning speed corresponding to 20° C./minute the sample was kept for 5 minutes at 0° C. Then the sample was heated for the second time at 200° C. with a scanning speed corresponding to 10° C./min. In this second heating run, the peak temperature was taken as the melting temperature (Tm).
Comparative Example 1
(dimethyl)silanedyilbis(4,5-benzo-indenyl)Zirconiumdichloride (C1)




was prepared according to the procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,821.

Comparative Example 2
Synthesis of (dimethyl)silanedyilbis(2,7-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-yl)ZrCl2 (C2)




a) 2-methyl-2-[(6-methyl-2-naphthyl)methyl]malonic acid




To a stirred suspension of 3.6 g NaH (90 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in 200 ml Et2O 16.2 ml (94 mmol) of diethyl 2-methylmalonate was added slowly with cooling. After 2 h stirring at 20 C, solution of 21.2 g (90 mmol) of 2-(bromomethyl)-6-methylnaphthalene (prepared according Buu-Hoi L.; J. Chem. Soc.; 1946; 831) in 30 ml of THF was added, resulting mixture was stirred overnight and decomposed by addition of saturated NH4Cl solution. Organic phase was separated, aqueous—extracted twice with 100 ml portions of ether. Combined extracts were evaporated, residue was dissolved in 150 ml methanol and solution of KOH (20 g, 360 mmol) was added slowly. Mixture was refluxed for 5 h, then evaporated to dryness and resulting semisolid was dissolved in warm water (400 ml). Solution was extracted three times with 100 ml portions of ether, then acidified by carefully addition of 10% HCl. Precipitate of acid 2 was collected and dried, yielded 20 g (81%) of white powder.
H1NMR (dmso-d6): 12.9 (broad s, 2H), 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 3.3 (s, 2H), 2.4 (s, 3H), 1.25 (s, 3H).
b) 2,7-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-one




Acid 2 (20 g, 73 mmol) was heated to 180 C without solvent until gas evolving ceased (10 min), then reaction mixture was cooled, dissolved in benzene (50 ml) end evaporated. Oily residue was again dissolved in benzene (100 ml) and treated with SOCl2 (16 ml, 219 mmol). Resulting solution was refluxed 3 h, evaporated to dryness and dissolved in 100 ml of dry CH2C2. This solution was added dropwise at 0 C to stirred suspension of 14.5 g (109 mmol) anhydrous AlCl3 in 50 ml of CH2Cl2. Reaction mixture was stirred overnight, poured into ice-5% HCl solution and extracted twice with 50 ml of CH2Cl2. Combined organic extracts were washed with KHCO3 solution, dried over MgSO4 and evaporated, afforded 11.4 g (74%) of 3 as brown semisolid.
H1NMR (CDCl3): 9.05 (d, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 3.45 (qwart, 1H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 1.40 (d, 3H).
c) 2,7-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




To a suspension of 0.54 g (14 mmol) LiAlH4 in 50 ml Et2O solution of 10 g (48 mmol) of 3 in ether was added slowly with stirring at 0 C. Reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, then decompose by addition of saturated NH4Cl solution. Organic layer was separated, evaporated and resulting oil was dissolved in 250 ml of benzene. Small amount (100 mg) of p-TSA was added and solution was refluxed with Dean-Stark water trap for 1 h. Reaction was monitored by TLC (benzene). Dark solution was cooled, washed with saturated KHCO3 solution, dried over MgSO4, filtered through Al2O3 (Fluka, neutral, grade I) layer and evaporated. Yield of 4 (two isomers) as light semisolid—8.1 g (87%).
H1NMR (CDCl3): 8.05 (d, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.74 (m, 3H), 7.64 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.4 (m, 2H), 7.15 (“s”, 1H), 6.7 (“s”, 1H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 2H), 2.63 (d, 6H), 2.33 (d, 6H).
d) bis(2,7-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-yl)(dimethyl)silane




Lithium salt of 4 was prepared in usual manner from 5 g (25.7 mmol) of 4 and 17 ml (27.2 mmol) n-BuLi (Merck, 1.6 N solution in hexanes) in 75 ml Et2O at −30 C. Then reaction mixture was warmed to 20 C, stirred 5 h and again cooled to −70 C. At this temperature 130 mg (1.4 mmol, 5% mol) of CuCN was added, resulted suspension stirred for 20 min and 1.55 ml (12.8 mmol) of Me2SiCl2 was added at one portion. Stirring was continued overnight, then mixture was poured into cold water, extracted with benzene (2*100 ml). Benzene solution was filtered through silicagel (Merck 60) and evaporated, yielded 4.7 g (83%) as light solid (mixture of rac- and meso-isomers).
H1NMR (CDCl3): 8.15, 7.75, 7.6, 7.45 (m, Σ20H), 7.3 (s, 4H), 4.1 (d, 4H), 2.61 (s, 12H), 2.4 (d, 12H), −0.2 (s, 3H, meso-), −0.27 (s, 6H, rac-), −0.29 (s, 3H, meso-)
e) (dimethyl)silanedyilbis(2,7-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-yl)ZrCl2




Lithium salt of 5 was prepared from 3 g (6.75 mmol) of 5 and 8.8 ml (14.4 mmol) n-BuLi (Merck, 1.6 N solution in hexanes) in 40 ml of Et2O at −30 C. Then reaction mixture was warmed to 20 C, stirred 1 h and evaporated. Dry salt was suspended in 100 ml of pentane, then consecutively 1.86 g ZrCl4 (7.9 mmol) and 5 ml of Et2O was added and mixture was stirred overnight. Precipitate was filtered off, washed with pentane and dried. Resulted compound was recrystallised from dichloromethane-ether mixture, afforded 6 as yellow-orange powder. Yield 2.5 g of 6 as a mixture of rac-/meso-=5/1.
H1NMR (CD2Cl2): 7.85, 7.6, 7.4, 7.32, 7.35, (m, Σ20H), 7.2 (s, 2H), 7.07 (s, 2H) 2.53 (s, 12H), 2.40 (s, 6H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 1.43 (s, 3H, meso-), 1.33 (s, 6H, rac-), 1.24 (s, 3H, meso-)
Example 1
Synthesis of (dimethyl)silanedyilbis(2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-yl)ZrCl2 (A1)




a) 2-methyl-2-[(7-methyl-2-naphthyl)methyl]malonic acid




To a stirred suspension of 3.6 g NaH (90 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in 200 ml Et2O 16.2 ml (94 mmol) of diethyl 2-methylmalonate was added slowly with cooling. After 2 h stirring at 20 C, solution of 21.2 g (90 mmol) of 2-(bromomethyl)-7-methylnaphthalene (prepared according Gorsane, M.; Martin, R. H.; Bull. Soc. Chim. Belg.; 94; 3; 1985; 205-214.) in 20 ml of THF was added, resulting mixture was stirred overnight and decomposed by addition of saturated NH4Cl solution. Organic phase was separated, aqueous—extracted twice with 100 ml portions of ether. Combined extracts were evaporated, residue was dissolved in 150 ml methanol and solution of KOH (20 g, 360 mmol) was added slowly. Mixture was refluxed for 5 h, then evaporated to dryness and resulting semisolid was dissolved in warm water (300 ml). Solution was extracted three times with 100 ml portions of ether, then acidified carefully by addition of 10% HCl. Precipitate of acid 2 was collected and dried, yielded 18.8 g (76%) of yellowish powder.
H1NMR (CDCl3): 7.77 (qwart, 2H), 7.62 (s, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 2.9 (s, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.26 (s, 3H)
b) 2,8-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-one




Acid 2 (15 g, 55 mmol) was heated to 180 C without solvent until gas evolving ceased (10 min), then reaction mixture was cooled, dissolved in benzene (50 ml) end evaporated. Oily residue was again dissolved in benzene (100 ml) and treated with SOCl2 (12 ml, 165 mmol). Resulting solution was refluxed 3 h, evaporated to dryness and dissolved in 100 ml of dry CH2Cl2. This solution was added dropwise at 0 C to stirred suspension of 11.1 g (83 mmol) anhydrous AlCl3 in 50 ml of CH2Cl2. Reaction mixture was stirred overnight, poured into ice-5% HCl solution and extracted twice with 50 ml of CH2Cl2. Combined organic extracts were washed with KHCO3 solution, dried over MgSO4 and evaporated, afforded 9.6 g (83%) of 3 as brown solid.
H1NMR (CDCl3): 9.0 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 1H), 7.8 (d, 1H), 7.45 (t, 2H), 3.45 (qwar, 1H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 2.6 (s, 3H), 1.4 (d, 3H).
c) 2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




To a suspension of 0.32 g (8 mmol) LiAlH4 in 10 ml Et2O solution of 3.5 g (17 mmol) of 3 in ether (50 ml) was added slowly with stirring at 0 C. Reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, then decompose by addition of saturated NH4Cl solution. Organic layer was separated, evaporated and resulting oil was dissolved in 250 ml of benzene. Small amount (100 mg) of p-TSA was added and solution was refluxed with Dean-Stark water trap for 1 h. Reaction was monitored by TLC (benzene). Dark solution was cooled, washed with saturated KHCO3 solution, dried over MgSO4 and evaporated. Yield of 4 (two isomers) as light semisolid—2.5 g (76%).
H1NMR (CDCl3): 7.82 (t, 4H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.51 (d, 2H), 7.31 (t, 2H), 7.10 (s, 2H), 3.47 (s, 4H), 2.58 (s, 6H), 2.3 (s, 6H)
d) bis(2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-yl)(dimethyl)silane




Lithium salt of 4 was prepared in usual manner from 2.0 g (10.3 mmol) of 4 and 6.8 ml (10.8 mmol) n-BuLi (Merck, 1.6 N solution in hexanes) in 3.0 ml Et2O at −30 C. Then reaction mixture was warmed to 20 C, stirred 2 h and again cooled to −70 C. At this temperature 60 mg (0.6 mmol, 5% mol) of CuCN was added, resulted suspension stirred for 20 min and 0.62 ml (5.13 mmol) of Me2SiCl2 was added at one portion. Stirring was continued overnight, then mixture was poured into cold water, extracted with benzene (2*100 ml). Benzene solution was filtered through silica gel (Merck 60) and evaporated, yielded 1.8 g (79%) as light solid (mixture of rac- and meso-isomers).
H1NMR (CDCl3): 7.9, 7.8, 7.75, 7.55, 7.35 (m, Σ20H), 7.29 (s, 4H), 4.05 (d, 4H), 2.61 (s, 12H), 2.4 (d, 12H), −0.21 (s, 3H, meso-), −0.29 (s, 6H, rac-), −0.30 (s, 3H, meso-)
e) (dimethyl)silanedyilbis(2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-yl)ZrCl2




Lithium salt of 5 was prepared from 2.4 g (5.4 mmol) of 5 and 7 ml (11.2 mmol) n-BuLi (Merck, 1.6 N solution in hexanes) in 40 ml of Et2O at −30 C. Then reaction mixture was warmed to 20 C, stirred 1 h and evaporated. Dry salt was suspended in 50 ml of pentane, then consecutively 1.52 g ZrCl4 (6.5 mmol) and 5 ml of Et2O was added and mixture was stirred overnight. Precipitate was filtered off, washed with pentane and dried. Resulted compound was recrystallised from dichloromethane-ether mixture, afforded 6 as yellow powder. Yield of 6 is 1.87 g as a mixture of rac-/meso-=6/4.
H1NMR (CD2Cl2): 7.65, 7.55, 7.35, 7.2, 7.35, 7.1 (m, Σ24H), 2.53 (s, 6H), 2.50 (s, 6H), 2.44 (s, 6H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 1.4 (s, 3H, meso-), 1.35 (s, 6H, rac-), 1.2 (s, 3H, meso)
Example 2
Synthesis of {μ-(η5-2,8-Dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(η5-2,5-dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilanediyl] dichlorozirconium (IV) (A2)




a)(2,8-Dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(2,5-dimethyl-dithiopheno cyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilane




A solution of 2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (0.43 g, 2.2 mmole) prepared as described above in ether (10 ml) was cooled to −40° C., and n-BuLi in hexane (1.6M, 1.4 ml, 2.2 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 1 h, cooled to −60° C., and SiMe2Cl2 (0.35 ml, 2.9 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 16 h, evaporated and dried. Dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadiene (0.45 g, 2.2 mmole) in ether (15 ml) was cooled to −40° C., and n-BuLi in hexane (1.6M, 1.4 ml, 2.2 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 1 h, and added to suspension of dimethylchlorosilyl derivative of 2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene in 10 ml of ether at −60° C. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 16 h, evaporated and dried. The product was obtained by column chromatography (silica gel 60, hexane/CHCl3 8:1). The yield 0.82 g (82%) of yellow solid.
b) {μ-(η5-2,8-Dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(η5-2,5-dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilanediyl] dichlorozirconium (IV) (A2)




(2,8-dimethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(2,5-dimethyl dithiopheno cyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilane (0.82 g, 1.8 mmole) obtained in step a) was dissolved in Et2O (20 ml), cooled to −40° C., and n-BuLi (2.5 ml of 1.6M in hexane, 4 mmole) was added. Reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 2 h, cooled to −60° C., and ZrCl4 (0.44 g, 1.9 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature with stirring, stirred for additional 16 h. The resulting yellow precipitate was filtered off and recrystallized from CH2Cl2 giving yellow-orange product. The yield 0.82 g (74%).
1H NMR (CD2Cl2, 20° C.) δ: 7.81 (s, 1H); 7.59 (d, 1H); 7.51 (d, 1H); 7.30 (d, 1H); 7.12 (d, 1H) {aromatic C6 rings}; 6.79 (s, 2H); 6.57 (s, 1H) {C5 rings}; 2.60 (s, 3H); 2.53 (s, 3H); 2.43 (s, 3H); 2.40 (s, 3H); {C—CH3}; 1.32 (s, 3H); 1.18 (s, 3H) {Si—CH3}.
Example 3
Synthesis of {μ-(η5-2-Methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(η5-2,5-dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilanediyl] dichlorozirconium (IV) (A3)




a) 2,7-Dibromonaphthalene was obtained by known method starting from 2,7-naphthalenediol [Porzi G., Concilio C., J. Organomet. Chem., 128 (1977), 95-98]
b) 2-Bromo-7-methylnaphthalene




Suspension of 2,7-dibromonaphthalene (61.4 g, 0.21 mole) in ether (400 ml) was cooled to −30° C., and n-BuLi (1.6M in hexane, 135 ml, 0.21 mole) was added. Reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for additional 2.5 h, cooled to −30° C., and CH3I (13.5 ml, 0.21 mole) was added. Reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for additional 16 h, treated by water (100 ml). Organic layer was separated, water layer was extracted by ether (6×100 ml). Combined organic fraction was evaporated, giving practically pure solid product. The yield 38.1 g (82%).
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 7.93 (s, 1H); 7.70 (d, 1H); 7.52 (s, 1H); 7.50 (d, 1H); 7.35 (d, 1H) {aromatic C6 rings}; 2.54 (s, 3H, —CH3).
c) 2-Methyl-7-phenylnaphthalene




Solution of 2-bromo-7-methylnaphthalene (10 g, 45 mmole) in ether (100 ml) was cooled to −0° C., and Ni(dppp)Cl2 and solution of PhLi (obtained from 1.3 g of Mg and 5.6 ml of PhBr in 55 ml of ether) were added subsequently. Reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for additional 4 h with heating, cooled room temperature, stirred for additional 16 h, and treated by water (100 ml). Organic layer was separated, water layer was extracted by ether (3×50 ml). Combined organic fraction was evaporated, giving practically pure solid product. The yield 9.23 g (94%).
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 8.10 (s, 1H); 7.92 (d, 1H); 7.83-7.71 (group of m, 5H); 7.53 (t, 2H); 7.43 (t, 1H); 7.37 (d, 1H) {aromatic C6 rings}; 2.58 (s, 3H, —CH3).
d) 2-(Bromomethyl)-7-phenylnaphthalene




2-Methyl-7-phenylnaphthalene (5.4 g, 25 mmole) and N-bromosuccinimide (4.4 g, 25 mmole) were suspended in CCl4 (60 ml). Benzoylperoxide (0.25 g) and Br2 (20 mkl) were added, the mixture was refluxed for 3 h, filtered, evaporated and dried giving practically pure product. The yield 7.4 g ( ̃100%).
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 8.40 (s, 1H); 7.94-7.73 (group of m, 6H); 7.53 (m, 3H); 7.44 (t, 1H{aromatic C6 rings}; 4.71 (s, 2H, —CH2).
e) 2-Methyl-3-(7-phenyl-2-naphthyl)propanoic acid




Diethylmethylmalonate (4.35 g, 25 mmole) was added to the solution of EtONa (1.7 g, 25 mmole) in ethanol (80 ml). The resulting mixture was stirred for 2 h, and 2-(Bromomethyl)-7-phenylnaphthalene (7.4 g, 25 mmole) was added. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 6 h, cooled, treated by NaOH (4 g in 10 ml of H2O) and refluxed for 6 h.
After cooling, aq. HCl was added to pH  ̃1. Resulting precipitate was filtered off, leading pure 2-methyl-2-[(7-phenyl-2-naphthyl)methyl]malonic acid. The yield 7.2 g (86%).
1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 20° C.) δ: 12.9 (broad, 2H, —COOH); 8.12 (s, 1H); 7.97 (d, 1H); 7.86 (d, 1H); 7.80 (m, 4H); 7.52 (t, 2H); 7.41 (t, 1H); 7.35 (d, 1H) {aromatic C6 rings}; 3.28 (s, 2H, —CH2); 1.25 (s, 3H, —CH3).
2-Methyl-3-(7-phenyl-2-naphthyl)propanoic acid (6.25 g) was obtained by heating of dicarboxylic acid (150-160° C., 30 min).
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 11.5-10 (broad, 1H, —COOH); 8.15 (s, 1H); 7.92 (d, 1H); 7.83 (d, 1H); 7.76 (m, 4H); 7.52 (t, 2H); 7.42 (t, 1H); 7.36 (d, 1H) {aromatic C6 rings}; 3.30 (m, 1H); 2.90 (m, 2H) {—CHCH2—}; 1.25 (d, 3H, —CH3).
f) 2-Methyl-8-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-one




2-Methyl-3-(7-phenyl-2-naphthyl)propanoic acid (6.25 g, 21.5 mmole) was suspended in CH2Cl2 (20 ml), and SOCl2 (2.9 ml, 40 mmole) and 0.05 ml of DMF were added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature, refluxed for additional 1 h, evaporated and dried in vacuo. AlCl3 (4.3 g, 33 mmol) was suspended in CH2Cl2 (40 ml), and solution of obtained chloroanhydride in CH2Cl2 (20 ml) was added at 0° C. within 0.5 h. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for additional 2 h, and poured into ice/HCl ( ̃200 g+40 ml). The resulting mixture was extracted by CH2Cl2 (4×50 ml). Combined organic phase was washed by aq. KHCO3, dried over MgSO4, evaporated and dried in vacuo giving practically pure solid product. The yield 5.45 g (92%).
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 9.48 (s, 1H); 8.07 (d, 1H); 7.70 (d, 1H); 7.85 (m, 3H); 7.53 (m, 3H); 7.43 (t, 1H) {aromatic C6 rings}; 3.50 (m, 1H); 2.85 (m, 2H) {—CHCH2—}; 1.41 (d, 3H, —CH3).
g) 2-Methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




2-Methyl-8-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-one (5.45 g, 20 mmole) in Et2O (50 ml) was added dropwise to cooled (−40° C.) suspension of LiAlH4 (0.23 g, 6 mmole) in Et2O (50 ml). The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for additional 2 h. Then H2O (10 ml) and 10M HCl (5 ml) were added, the resulting mixture was poured into CH2Cl2 (300 ml). The organic phase was washed by water (50 ml), 5% aq. KHCO3 (50 ml), dried over MgSO4 and evaporated giving white crystalline alcohol. The 250 ml round-bottomed flack was sparged with argon; benzene (100 ml) and p-TSA (0.2 g) were added, and resulting solution was refluxed with Dine-Stark head with stirring (control by TLC, benzene/EtOAc 4:1) within 1.5 h. Then the resulting yellow solution was washed by water, aq. KHCO3, water, dried over MgSO4, passed through small amount of silica gel and evaporated giving 4.8 g (94%) of the product.
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 8.30 (s, 1H); 7.98 (d, 1H); 7.82 (dd, 2H); 7.75 (d, 1H); 7.68 (d, 1H); 7.60 (d, 1H); 7.55 (t, 2H); 7.44 (d, 1H); 7.20 (s, 1H) {—CH═}; 3.51 (s, 2H, —CH2—); 2.33 (s, 3H, —CH3).
h) (2-Methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(2,5-dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilane




Solution of 2-methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (2.56 g, 10 mmole) in ether (50 ml) was cooled to −40° C., and n-BuLi in hexane (1.6M, 6.3 ml, 10 mmole) was added.
Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 1 h, cooled to −60° C., and SiMe2Cl2 (1.33 ml, 11 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 16 h, evaporated and dried. Dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadiene (2.06 g, 10 mmole) in ether (40 ml) was cooled to −40° C., and n-BuLi in hexane (1.6M, 6.3 ml, 10 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 1 h, and added to suspension of dimethylchlorosilyl derivative of 2-methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene in 50 ml of ether at −60° C. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 16 h, evaporated and dried. The product was obtained by crystallization from hexane as a single isomer. The yield 2.28 g (44%).
1H NMR (CDCl3, 20° C.) δ: 8.39 (s, 1H); 7.99 (d, 1H); 7.81 (dd, 2H); 7.78 (d, 1H); 7.63 (m, 2H); 7.56 (t, 2H); 7.44 (t, 1H); 7.36 (s, 1H); 6.94 (s, 1H); 6.90 (s, 1H) {—CH═}; 4.19 (s, 1H); 4.10 (s, 1H) {>CH—}; 2.63 (s, 3H); 2.58 (s, 3H); 2.42 (s, 3H) {C—CH3}; −0.31 (s, 3H); −0.33 (s, 3H) {Si—CH3}.
i) {μ-(η5-2-Methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(η5-2,5-dimethyldithiophenocyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilanediyl]dichiorozirconium (IV)




(2-Methyl-8-phenyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]naphth-3-yl)(2,5-dimethyl-dithiopheno-cyclopentadien-7-yl)dimethylsilane (2.28 g, 4.39 mmole) was suspended in Et2O (60 ml), cooled to −40° C., and n-BuLi (5.6 ml of 1.6M in hexane, 9 mmole) was added. Reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 2 h, cooled to −60° C., and ZrCl4 (1.05 g, 4.5 mmole) was added. Resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature with stirring, stirred for additional 16 h. The resulting yellow precipitate was filtered off and purified by 20-times extraction by CH2Cl2 with subsequent concentration of the solution giving yellow-orange product. The yield 1.97 g (66%).
Polymerization Examples
General Procedure
The catalyst mixture was prepared by dissolving the amount of the metallocene indicated in table 1 in 5 ml of toluene with the proper amount of the methylalumoxane (MAO) solution (30% by weight in toluene)(Al/Zr molar ratio=500) obtaining a solution which was stirred for 10 min at room temperature before being injected into the autoclave.
2 mmol of Al(i-Bu)3 (as a 1M solution in hexane) and 700 g of propylene were charged at room temperature in a 2.4-L jacketed stainless-steel autoclave, equipped with magnetically driven stirrer and a 35-mL stainless-steel vial, connected to a thermostat for temperature control, previously purified by washing with an Al(i-Bu)3 solution in hexanes and dried at 50° C. in a stream of propylene. The autoclave was then thermostatted at 70° C., and then the toluene solution containing the catalyst/cocatalyst mixture was injected in the autoclave by means of nitrogen pressure through the stainless-steel vial, and the polymerization carried out at constant temperature for 1 hour. The polymerization was stopped by pressurizing CO into the reactor. After venting the unreacted monomer and cooling the reactor to room temperature, the polymer was dried under reduced pressure at 60° C. The polymerization results are reported in table 1.













TABLE 1








metall.
Activity
η
Tm(II)



Ex
(mg)
Kg/gcat · h
dL/g
(° C.)






















1
A1 (1)a)
319
2.1
144.7



2*
C1 (0.5)
220
1.8
144



3*
C2 (0.5)b)
200
2.1
143.5







*comparative



a)mixture of rac meso isomers (rac:meso 6:4);



b)mixture of rac meso isomers (rac:meso 5:1);






From table 1 clearly results that the compound A1 even if it is used in rac, meso mixture (the meso form has an activity lower or it is inactive with respect to the rac form) shows a polymerization activity higher than the compound C1 and C2.

## Claims

1. A metallocene compound of formula (IV):



wherein:
M is a transition metal selected from group 3, 4, 5, 6 or a lanthanide or an actinide group in the Periodic Table of Elements;
p is an integer from 0 to 3, wherein p is equal to a formal oxidation state of M minus 2;
X, is the same or different, and is hydrogen, a halogen, R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2, wherein R is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; or two X can optionally form a substituted or unsubstituted butadienyl radical, or a OR′O group, wherein R′ is a divalent radical selected from a C1-C40 alkylidene radical, a C6-C40 arylidene radical, a C7-C40 alkylarylidene radical or a C7-C40 arylalkylidene radical;
L is a divalent bridging group selected from a C1-C20 alkylidene radical, a C3-C20 cycloalkylidene radical, a C6-C20 arylidene radical, a C7-C20 alkylarylidene radical, or a C7-C20 arylalkylidene radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, or a silylidene radical comprising up to 5 silicon atoms;
R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R2, R4 and R5, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, with the proviso that at least one among R2, R4 and R5 is hydrogen;
R6 and R7, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R15 and R16, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and

R3 with R4 and/or R4 with R5 can optionally join to form a aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, the aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally can comprise one or more hydrocarbon substituents comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

2. The metallocene compound of claim 1, wherein:
M is titanium, zirconium or hafnium;
p is 2;
X is hydrogen, a halogen, or R;
R is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic C1-C40-alkyl radical, C2-C40 alkenyl radical, C2-C40 alkynyl radical, C6-C40-aryl radical, C7-C40-alkylaryl radical or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical, optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
L is Z(R′′)2, wherein Z is a carbon or a silicon atom, and R′′ is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic C1-C10-alkyl radical, C2-C10 alkenyl radical, C2-C10 alkynyl radical, C6-C10-aryl radical, C7-C10-alkylaryl radical, or C7-C10-arylalkyl radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements.

3. The metallocene compound of claim 1, wherein:
R1 is a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical;
R3 is a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical or a C6-C40-aryl, radical;
R2, R4 and R5 are hydrogen; and
R6 and R7 are hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical.

4. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein R15 and R16 are linear or branched C1-C40-alkyl radicals optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements.

5. A process for preparing a metallocene compound of formula (IV):



wherein:
M is a transition metal selected from group 3, 4, 5, 6 or a lanthanide or an actinide group in the Periodic Table of Elements;
p is an integer from 0 to 3, wherein p is equal to a formal oxidation state of M minus 2;
X, is the same or different, and is hydrogen, a halogen, R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2, wherein R is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; or two X can optionally form a substituted or unsubstituted butadienyl radical, or a OR′O group, wherein R′ is a divalent radical selected from a C1-C40 alkylidene radical, a C6-C40 arylidene radical, a C7-C40 alkylarylidene radical or a C7-C40 arylalkylidene radical;
L is a divalent bridging group selected from a C1-C20 alkylidene radical, a C3-C20 cycloalkylidene radical, a C6-C20 arylidene radical, a C7-C20 alkylarylidene radical, or a C7-C20 arylalkylidene radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, or a silylidene radical comprising up to 5 silicon atoms;
R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R2, R4 and R5, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, with the proviso that at least one among R2, R4 and R5 is hydrogen;
R6 is hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R7 is hydrogen;
R15 and R16, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and
R3 with R4 and/or R4 with R5 can optionally join to form a aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, the aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally can comprise one or more hydrocarbon substituents comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

the process comprising:
contacting a compound of formula (IVa)





and/or its double bond isomers with a base selected from TjB, TMgT1, sodium hydride, potassium hydride, metallic sodium, metallic potassium, or combinations thereof to form a metallocene compound product, wherein:
L is a divalent bridging group selected from a C1-C20 alkylidene radical, a C3-C20 cycloalkylidene radical, a C6-C20 arylidene radical, a C7-C20 alkylarylidene radical, or a C7-C20 arylalkylidene radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, or a silylidene radical comprising up to 5 silicon atoms;
R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R2, R4 and R5, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, with the proviso that at least one among R2, R4 and R5 is hydrogen;
R6 and R7, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R15 and R16, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and
R3 with R4 and/or R4 with R5 can optionally join to form a aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, the aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally can comprise one or more hydrocarbon substituents comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms
B is an alkali or alkaline earth metal;
j is 1 or 2, wherein j is equal to 1 when B is an alkaline metal, and j is equal to 2 when B is an alkali-earth metal;
T is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic C1-C20-alkyl radical, C6-C20-aryl radical, C7-C20-alkylaryl radical, or C7-C20-arylalkyl radical, optionally comprising one or more Si or Ge atoms;
T1 is a halogen or OR′′′, wherein R′′′ is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic C1-C40-alkyl radical, C6-C40-aryl radical, C7-C40-alkylaryl radical or C7-C40-arylalkyl radical, optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein a molar ratio between the base and a ligand of the formula (IVa) is at least 2:1; and

contacting the metallocene compound product with a compound of formula MXp+2, wherein:
M is a transition metal selected from group 3, 4, 5, 6 or a lanthanide or an actinide group in the Periodic Table of Elements;
p is an integer from 0 to 3, wherein p is equal to a formal oxidation state of M minus 2; and
X, is the same or different, and is hydrogen, a halogen, R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2, wherein R is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; or two X can optionally form a substituted or unsubstituted butadienyl radical, or a OR′O group, wherein R′ is a divalent radical selected from a C1-C40 alkylidene radical, a C6-C40 arylidene radical, a C7-C40 alkylarylidene radical or a C7-C40 arylalkylidene radical.

6. The process for preparing the metallocene compound of claim 5, wherein B is lithium.

7. The process for preparing the metallocene compound of claim 5, wherein T is a methyl radical or butyl radical.

8. A ligand of formula (IVa) and its double bonds isomers




wherein:
L is a divalent bridging group selected from a C1-C20 alkylidene radical, a C3-C20 cycloalkylidene radical, a C6-C20 arylidene radical, a C7-C20 alkylarylidene radical, or a C7-C20 arylalkylidene radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, or a silylidene radical comprising up to 5 silicon atoms;
R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;

R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R2, R4 and R5, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, with the proviso that at least one among R2, R4 and R5 is hydrogen;
R6 is hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R3 with R4 and/or R4 with R5 can optionally join to form a aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, the aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally can comprise one or more hydrocarbon substituents comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and
R15 and R16, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements.

9. The ligand of claim 8, wherein:
L is Z(R′′)2, wherein Z is a carbon or a silicon atom, and R′′ is a linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic C1-C10-alkyl radical, C2-C10 alkenyl radical, C2-C10 alkynyl radical, C6-C10-aryl radical, C7-C10-alkylaryl radical, or C7-C10-arylalkyl radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements.

10. The ligand of claim 8, wherein:
R1 is a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical;
R3 is a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical or a C6-C40-aryl, radical;
R2, R4 and R5 are hydrogen; and
R6 is hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C20-alkyl radical.

11. A catalyst system obtained by contacting:
a) at least one metallocene compound of formula (IV)




wherein:
M is a transition metal selected from group 3, 4, 5, 6 or a lanthanide or an actinide group in the Periodic Table of Elements;
p is an integer from 0 to 3, wherein p is equal to a formal oxidation state of M minus 2;
X, is the same or different, and is hydrogen, a halogen, R, OR, OSO2CF3, OCOR, SR, NR2 or PR2, wherein R is a C1-C40, hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; or two X can optionally form a substituted or unsubstituted butadienyl radical, or a OR′O group, wherein R′ is a divalent radical selected from a C1-C40 alkylidene radical, a C6-C40 arylidene radical, a C7-C40 alkylarylidene radical or a C7-C40 arylalkylidene radical;
L is a divalent bridging group selected from a C1-C20 alkylidene radical, a C3-C20 cycloalkylidene radical, a C6-C20 arylidene radical, a C7-C20 alkylarylidene radical, or a C7-C20 arylalkylidene radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, or a silylidene radical comprising up to 5 silicon atoms;
R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R3 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon group optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R2, R4 and R5, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements, with the proviso that at least one among R2, R4 and R5 is hydrogen;
R6 and R7, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements;
R15 and R16, are the same or different from each other, and are hydrogen or C1-C40 hydrocarbon groups optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and
R3 with R4 and/or R4 with R5 can optionally join to form a aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally comprising at least one heteroatom belonging to groups 13-16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, the aliphatic or aromatic 3-7 membered ring optionally can comprise one or more hydrocarbon substituents comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

b) at least one alumoxane, or a compound able to form an alkylmetallocene cation; and
c) optionally an organo aluminium compound.

12. A process for (co)polymerizing olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms comprising contacting one or more of the olefins under polymerization conditions with the catalyst system of claim 11.

13. The process according to claim 12, wherein the olefins are alpha-olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms.

14. The process according to claim 12, wherein the olefins are selected from propylene, ethylene, 1-butene, or combinations thereof.