Effect of two halohydrocarbons as new promoters suitable for titanium-catalyzed ethylene dimerization toward 1-butene

This paper deals with the study related to the suitability of two new promoters for ethylene dimerization to 1‐butene which is a potential raw material for polyethylene synthesis and other applications. In this study, the effect of two haloethanes has been carried out on a Ti-based homogeneous catalyst in combination with a cyclic ether as modifier and in the presence of triethylaluminum (TEAl) activator. The experimental results showed that the effect of chloroethane on ethylene conversion, overall selectivity to 1-butene, yield of reaction and productivity (turnover frequency) was better than bromoethane. The specific weak coordination of the halide to TEAl co-catalyst and also, a matching interaction between the halogen group of the promoter and titanocyclopentane intermediate species in the catalytic cycle can be proposed to elucidate the promoting effect of the halides in the ethylene dimerization.

Ethylene dimerization, heavy and polymeric compounds, promoter, haloethane