Ethylene Oligomerization into Linear α-Olefins Catalyzed by VSB-5 without Alkyl-Aluminum Cocatalysts

The cumbersome air isolation process is one of the main constraints in the development of linear α-olefins prepared by ethylene oligomerization. An effective way to solve this problem is to eliminate the use of an alkyl-aluminum cocatalyst. Herein, two forms of Versailles/Santa Barbara-5 (VSB-5) (VSB-5-H3PO4 and VSB-5-NaH2PO2) are prepared and used as heterogeneous catalysts in ethylene oligomerization in the presence of LiAlH4 as a cocatalyst. Compared to other Ni-MOFs and Ni silica–aluminate catalysts, VSB-5s maintain a wider distribution of Linear α-olefin (LAO) products at relatively high activity. In the reuse test of the catalyst, the Al species from LiAlH4 cover the surface of the catalyst and decrease its activity, which could be removed by acid treatment. In situ IR studies show that active centers for ethylene oligomerization may form in VSB-5 assisted by LiAlH4. In addition, a Cossee–Arlman-type mechanism is proposed.