Controlled oligomerization in water to hyperbranched ethylene oligomers

Abstract

The production of high molecular weight polyethylene particles in aqueous environments has received considerable attention, yet reports on the formation of polyethylene oil within water remain scarce. Herein, we present findings that demonstrate the oligomerization of ethylene by certain iminopyridyl Pd(II) catalysts in water, resulting in the synthesis of hyperbranched ethylene oligomers. It is worth highlighting the intriguing observation that these catalysts exhibited a remarkable catalytic longevity in aqueous medium and ultimately facilitated the generation of a substantial liquid polyolefin phase from water. ¹³C NMR and viscosity measurements indicate that the resultant polyethylene oils are characterized by prevalent long-chain branching and a very low viscosity.