Abstract:

Recently progress of the catalytic system for ethylene tetramerization toward 1-octene is summarized. The structure and electronic property of PNP ligand are the mainly factors affecting the catalytic activity and the selectivity of the catalytic system. The bulk and electronic properties of N-substituented and P-substituented groups in PNP ligand have important effect on catalytic activity and selectivity to 1-octene. The substituent with bulkier and richer electronegativity will result in hindering further ethylene insertion，which induces lower catalytic activity and lower selectivity to 1-octene. The design and synthesis of a novel ligand is crucial to higher catalytic activity and higher selectivity to 1-octene.