Nucleophilic attack at pyridine nitrogen and its use to access a novel mono-anionic ligand for iron-based ethylene polymerisation catalystsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: further characterisation data for 2a–5a. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b2/b203805f/

Abstract

Addition of MeLi to bis(imino)pyridines results in an unprecedented nucleophilic attack at pyridine nitrogen to afford novel mono-anionic [N,N,N] ligands: their treatment with FeCl₃, followed by MAO activation, affords highly active ethylene polymerisation catalysts.