Living coordination–insertion copolymerization of 1-hexene and ligated α-olefins using an α-diimine nickel catalyst and preparation of metal–ligand coordination crosslinked polymers

A new alternative for accessing metal–ligand containing polymers via coordination insertion copolymerization of 1-hexene and ligated α-olefin is disclosed herein. To overcome the deactivation of active species by heteroatoms, the present study employed a less electrophilic late transition metal complex, and efficient copolymerizations were successfully achieved, giving rise to poly(1-hexene) elastomers containing a benzimidazolyl quinoline ligand up to 5.77%. Moreover, the copolymerization displayed a living nature, demonstrating a capability of control over the molecular weights and molecular weight distribution. Coordination of the obtained ligated poly(1-hexene) elastomers with metal ions produced polymer networks with the ligand–metal complexes as crosslinkers and thus led to a significant enhancement of the mechanical properties of the resultant materials.