Synthesis and characterization of stable nickel(II) complexes bearing long alkyl chains.

Nickel(II) complexes bearing long alkyl chains are successfully obtained as stable solids by ethylene oligomerization using a Shell Higher Olefin Process (SHOP)-type anionic bidentate (P-O) ligand. In contrast to the salient stability of the alkyl-Ni(II) complexes in the solid state, their chemical derivatization implied the occurrence of non-negligible chain-transfer during the ethylene oligomerization process.