CA2055219C

CA2055219C - 2-substituted bisindenylmetallocenes, process for their preparation, and their use as catalysts in the polymerization of olefins

Info

Publication number: CA2055219C
Application number: CA002055219A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Andreas Winter; Martin Antberg; Walter Spaleck; Jurgen Rohrmann; Volker Dolle
Original assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
Current assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
Priority date: 1990-11-12
Filing date: 1991-11-08
Publication date: 2002-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2011-11-08
Also published as: EP0485823A1; USRE37384E1; AU641341B2; EP0485823B1; ZA918926B; US5145819A; DE59104869D1; CA2055219A1; AU8775791A; JPH04300887A; JP3272005B2; ES2071888T3

Abstract

2-Substituted bisindenylmetallocenes, process for their preparation, and their use as catalysts in the poly-merization of olefins.

The novel metallocenes of the formula I
(see figure I) in which, preferably, M1 is Zr or Hf, R1 and R2 are alkyl or halogen, R3 and R4 are hydrogen, R5 and R6 are alkyl or haloalkyl, -(CR8R9)m -R7-(CR8R9)n- is a single- or multi-membered chain in which R7 may also be a (substituted) hetero atom, and m + n is zero or 1, form, together with aluminoxanes as cocatalysts, a very effective catalyst system for the preparation of polyolefins of high molecu-lar weight.

Description

C ~i i F ~~ G~ C.~ ~ . e.~
HOECHST AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT HOE 90/F 335 Dr.LO/PP
Description 2-Substituted bisindenylmetallocenes, process for their preparation, and their use as catalysts in the poly merization of olefins The present invention relates to novel 2-substituted bisindenylmetallocenes which can very advantageously be used as catalysts in the preparation of polyolefins of high molecular weight.
Polyolefins of high molecular weight are particularly important for the production of films, sheets or large hollow elements, such as, for example, tubes or moldings.
Chiral metallocenes are, in combination with alumin-oxanes, active, stereospecific catalysts for 'the prepara-tion of polyolefins (US 4,769,510). These metallocenes also include substituted indene compounds. Thus, for example, the use of the ethylenebis(4,5,6,7-t~atrahydro-1-indenyl)zirconium dichloride/aluminoxane catalyst system is known for the preparation of isotactic poly-propylene (cf. EP-A 185 918). Both this and numerous other polymeri2:ation processes coming under the prior art have, in part3.cular, the disadvantage that, at indus trially interesting polymerization temperatures, only polymers having an unacceptably low molecular weight are obtained.
Surprisingly, it has now been found that novel 2-substi tuted bisindenylmetallocenes are suitable catalysts far the preparation of olefin polymers of high isotacticity, narrow molecular weight distribution and high molecular weight.
The present invention therefore provides the compounds of the formula I below ~t)~~~~.f~
c cR~R9 y ~
tI) R2~ M' R6 R~

RsR9) n in which M1 is a metal from group IVb, Vb or VIb of the Periodic Table, R1 and RZ axe identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a C1-Coo-alkyl group, a C1-Clo-alkoxy group, a C6-Clo-aryl. group, a Co-Clo-aryloxy group, a Cz-Clo alkenyl group, a C~-C4o-arylalkyl group, a C~-C4o-alkyl aryl group, a CB-C4o-arylalkenyl group or a halogen atom, R3 and R4 are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogenatom, a C1-Clo-alkylgroup, which may be halogenated, a C6-Clo-aryl group,an -NRZlo, -gRlo~

-OSiR3lo, -SiR3loor -pRZlo radical in which Rlo ie a halogen ai:om, a C1-Clo-alkyl or a Co-Coo-aryl group group, R5 and Rs are identical or different and are as defined for R3 and R4, with the proviso that RS and RB are not hydrogen, R' is R11 R11 R11 R11 R11 ~ 13 ~12 _ _ _ _ ~ ~ _ M
, R12 R12 ~ , ~ 1 ~ ~CR2 R

_ . _ o _ M2 _ R12 ~12 ?~ ~ 2~ r~

=BR11, =A1R11, -Ge-, -Sn-, -0-, -S-, =S0, =SO2, =NRll, --C0, =pRl1 or =P ( 0 ) Rll, where Rll~ Rlz and R13 are identical or different and axe a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-Clo-alkyl group, a C1-Clo-fluoroalkyl group, a Cs-Coo-aryl group, a CB-Clo-fluoroaryl group, a Cl-Clo-alkoxy group, a CZ-Clo-alkenyl group, a C~-C,,o-arylalkyl group, a CB-C4o-arylalkenyl group or a C~-C,,o-alkyl aryl group, or Rll and R12 or Rlx and R13, in each case with the atoms connecting them, form a ring, MZ is silicon, germanium or tin, RB and Ro are identical or different and axe as defined for R11, and m and n are identical or different and are zero, 1 or 2, m plus n being zero, 1 or 2.
Alkyl is straight-chain or branched alkyl. Halogen (halogenated) is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine or chlorine.
In the formula x, M' is a metal from group IVb, Vb or Vlb of the Period:i.c Table, for exFUnple titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molyb-denum or tungsten, preferably zirconium, hafnium or titanium.
R1 and Rz axe identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a C1-Clo-, preferably CI-C3-alkyl group, a C1-Clo-, preferably C1-C3-alkoxy group, a Co-Clo-, preferably C6-Ce-aryl group, a C6-Clo-, preferably C6-CB-aryloxy group, a CZ-Clo-, preferably CZ-C4-alkenyl group, a C~-C4o-.
preferably C~-Clo-arylalkyl group, a C~-C4o-, preferably C~-C12-alkylaryJ. group, a Co-C4o-, preferably CB-C12-aryl-hJ~~C..~Fd~ n1 alkenyl group or a halogen atom, preferably chlorine.
R3 and R4 are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, preferably a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom, a C1-Clo-, preferably C1-C4-alkyl group, which may be halogenated, a C6-Clo-, preferably Cs-C~-aryl group, an -NRZ1°, -SR1°, -0SiR31o, -SiR3io or -pR2io radical in which Rl° is a halogen atom, preferably a chlorine atom, or a C1-Clo-, preferably C1--C3-alkyl group or a C6-Clo-, preferably C6-C8-aryl group. R° and R4 are particularly preferably hydrogen.
RS and R6 are identical or different, preferably iden-tical, and are as defined for R3 and R4, with the proviso that RS and RE cannot be hydrogen. RS and R6 are preferably (C1-C,,)-alkyl, which may be halogenated, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl or trifluoro-methyl, in particular methyl.
R' i s 11 11 Rll Rll 11 ~2 _ , _ ~2 _ M2 _ , _ M2 _ (CR213~ _ ~ _ 0 _ ~2 _ 0 - .
~12 R12 R12 R12 R12 ._0-~M'2-=BR11, =A1R1', -Ge-, -Sn-, -0-, -S-, =SU, =SOz, =NR~1, =CU, =PRll or =P ( 0 ) Rll, where Rll, RlZ and Rl° are identical or different and axe a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C1°-, preferably C,-C4-alkyl group, in particular a methyl group, a C,-C1°-fluoroalkyl group, preferably a CF3 group, a CG-Clo-, preferably Cb-CB-aryl group, a Cs-Clo-fluoroaryl group, preferably a pentafluorophenyl group, a C1-Clo-, preferably C1-C~,-alkoxy group, in particular a methoxy group, a CZ-C1°-, preferably CZ-C4-alkenyl group, a C,-C4°-, preferably C,-C,o-arylalkyl group, a Cb-C,,°-, preferably C°-C12-arylalkenyl group or a C~-C4°-, r i~ ~<~c~ ~~r~

preferably C~-C12-alkylaryl group, or R11 and R12 or Ril and R13, in each case together with the atoms connecting them, form a ring.
M2 is silicon, germanium or tin, preferably silicon or germanium.
R' is preferably =CRx1R12, =S1R11Rt2, =GeR11R12, -0-, -S-, =S0, =PRl' or =P ( 0 ) Rll .
R8 and R9 are identical or different and are as defined as for RI1.
m and n are identical or different and are zero, 1 or 2, preferably zero or 1, where m plus n is zero, 1 or 2, preferab7.y zero or 1.
The particularly preferred metallocenes are thus those in which, in the formula I, Ml is Zr or Hf, Rl and RZ are identical or different and are methyl or chlorine, R3 and R4 are hydrogen, R5 and R6 are identical or different and are methyl, ethyl or trifluoromethyl, R' is a _ ~ _ or ~12 _ gi _ radical, and n plus m ie zero or 1; in particu-lar the compounds I listed in tha working examples.
Of the compounds I mentioned in the working examples, rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)zzirconium dichloride, rac-ethylene(2-methyl-1-indenyl)zzirconium dichloride, rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)Zdi methylzirconium and rac-ethylene(2-methyl-1-indenyl)Zdi methylzirconium are particularly important.
The chiral metallocenes are employed as racemates for the preparation of highly isotacti.c poly-1-olefins. However, it is also possible to use the pure R- or S-form. These - ~~t.~~~
pure stereoisomeric forms allow the preparation of an optically active polymer. However, the meso form of the metallocenes should be separated off since the polymerization-active center (the metal atom) in these compounds is no longer chiral due to mirror symmetry at the central metal, and it is therefore not possible to produce a highly isotactic polymer. If the meso form is not separated off, atactic polymer is formed alongside isotactic polymers. For certain applications - soft moldings for example - this may be entirely desirable.
The principle of resolution of the stereoisomers is known.
The present invention furthermore provides a process for the preparation of the metallocenes I, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula II
3 ) R3 O e~~R8R9~~ R7_(~8R9)n ~ R4 Ma (II

where R3-Re, m and n are as described i.n the formula I, and M3 is an alkali metal, pref~rably lithium, a) with a compound of the formula III
2 0 M1X,, ( I I I ) in which Ml is as defined in the formula I, and X is a halogen atom, preferably chlorine, or b) with a compound of the formula IIIa MlX4Lz ( IIIa ) in which M1 and X are as defined above, and L is a donor ~~;3~):~~W.a3 7 _ ligand, and, if desired, derivatizing the resultant reaction product.
Examples of suitable donor ligands are tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ethex, dimethyl ether and the like, preferably tetrahydrofuran (THF).
The synthesis is carried out under a protective gas and in anhydrous solvents. In case a), the dried salt of the formula TI is added to a suspension of the compound of the formula III in a solvent such as toluene, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ether, THF, n-pentane or benzene, preferably in dichloromethane or toluene. The reaction temperature is from -78°C to 30°C, preferably from -40°C
to 1.0°C. The reaction duration is from 0.25 to 24 hours, preferably from 1 to 4 hours.
In case b), a solution of the salt of the formula II in one of the abovementioned solvents is added to a solution or suspension of a compound of the formula IIIa in a solvent such as toluene, xylene, ether or THF, preferably TGIF. However, an alternative procedure is to simul-taneously add both components dropwise to a solvent. This is the preferred procedure. The reaction temperature is from -40°C to 100°C, preferably from 0"C to 50°C, in particular from 10°C to 35°C. '.I'ha reaction duration is from 0.25 houtr to 48 hours, preferably :from 1 hour to 24 hours, in particular from 2 hours to 9 hours.
The halogen derivatives obtained in this way can be converted into the alkyl, aryl or alkenyl complexes by known standard methods, '.Phe compounds of the formula II are synthesized by deprotonation. This reaction is known; cf. J. Am. Chem.
Soc., 112 (1990) 2030-2031, ibid. 110 (1988) 6255-6256, ibid. 109 (1987), 6544-6545, J. Organomet. Chem., 322 (1987) 65-7U, New. J. Chem. 14 (1990) 499-503 and the tv j~ (" t" M~ .a r working examples.
The synthesis of the protonated forms of the compounds of these formulae has also been described, with the dif-ference that they are not correspondingly substituted in the a- and ~9-positions (Bull. Soc. Chim., 1967, 2954).
The bridging units required for their synthesis are generally commercially available, but the indenyl com-pounds required, by contrast, are not. Some literature references containing synthesis procedures are indicated;
the procedure for indene derivatives which are not mentioned is analogous: J. Org. Chem., 49 (1984) 4226-4237, J. Chem. Soc., Perkin II, 1981, 403-408, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 7.06 (1984) 6702, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 65 (1943) 567, J. Med. Chem., 30 (1987) 1303-1308, Chem.
Ber. 85 (1952) 78-85 and the working examples.
The metallocenes T can thus in principle be prepared in accordance with the reaction scheme below:

N~~u~~~) _ g _ H~Rc + ButylLi --~---~HRcLi g_ (CRgR9)m R7- (CRaR9)n-?C
H2Rd + ButylLi , HRdLi °~°
HRc-(CR$R9}m-R~-(CRSR9)n-RdH 2 Butv LiR=-(CRgR9)m R~-(CRgR9)ri RdLi M1C1 (R8R9~)m _ Rc (R8R91)m _ Ic R~ Ml Rl.--L~ R7 M a (RgR9C)n _ Rd (RBR9C}n _ d (RaR9~)m _ Rc I R~
R2Li~ 17 M1 'R

(R8R9~)n - Rd X = C1, Br, I, O-Tosyl; H2Rc R~
H2Rd = ~ .. ~ 6 H H
~'he cocatalyst used according to the inaention in the polymerization of olefins is an aluminoxane of the formula (IV) R ( ) R ~ A1 - 0 ~1 - 0 p A1 I~
R 'R

Q~ ~.. .. :l (',.
2 "1 q t~
~,P "~.F~ C.Y i~ Yd ~ 1',j for the linear type and/or of the formula (V) (V) 0 -- A1 p~2 for the cyclic type, where, in the formulae (IV)-and (V), the radicals R may be identical or different and are a C1-C6-alkyl group, a C6-C18-aryl group or hydrogen, and p is an integer from 2 to 50, preferably from 10 to 35.
The radicals R are preferably identical and axe methyl, isobutyl, phenyl or benzyl, particularly preferably methyl.
If the radicals R are different, they are preferably methyl and hydrogen or alternatively methyl and isobutyl, from 0.01 to 40~ (of the number of radicals R) being hydrogen or isobutyl.
The aluminoxane can be prepared in different ways by known processes. One of the methods is, for example, the reaction of an aluminum-.hydrocarbon compound and/or a hydridoaluminiun-hydrocarbon compound with water (gaseous, solid, liquid or bound - for example as water of crystal-lization) in an inert solvent (such as, for example, toluene). In order to prepare an aluminoxane containing different alkyl groups R, two different trialkylaluminum compounds (Al R' -~ A1R~;,) in accordance with the desired composition a:re reacted with water (cf. ~. Paeynkic~wicz, Polyhedron 9 (1990) 429 and EP-A 302 424).
The precise structure of the aluminoxanes IV and V Ls not known.
Irrespective of the preparation method, a varying content of unreacted aluminum starting compound, in free form or as an adduct, is common to all the aluminoxane solutions.
It is possible to preact:ivate the metallocene I using an ;, ,.. f ,~ ~.
~, 'a ~
i-a F.> i~~ 2J i-J tJ

aluminoxane of the formula (IV) and/or (V) before use in the polymerization reaction. This considerably increases the polymerization activity and improves the particle morphology.
The preactivation of the transition-metal compound is carried out in solution. The metallocene is preferably dissolved in a solution of the aluminoxane in an inert hydrocarbon. Suitable inert hydrocarbons are aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons. Toluene is preferred.
The concentration of the aluminoxane in the solution is in the range from about 1~ by weight up to the saturation limit, preferably from 5 to 30~ by weight, in each case based on the entire solution. The metallocene can be employed in the same concentration, but is preferably employed in an amount of from 104 - 1 mol per mole of aluminoxane. The preactivation time is from 5 minutes to 60 hours, preferably from 5 to 60 minutes . The preactiva-tion temperature is from -78°C to 100°C, preferably from 0 to 70°C.
The metallocene can also be prepolymerized or applied to a support. The prepolymerization is preferably carried out using the olefin or one of the olefins employed in the polymerization.
Examplos of suitable supports are silica gels, aluminum oxidas, solid aluminoxane or other inorganic support materials. Another suitable support material is a poly-olefin powder in finely divided form.
A further possible variation of the process comprises using a salt-like compound of the formula RxNH4_xBR'4 or of the formula R3PHBR'4 as cocatalyst instead of or in addition to an aluminoxane. x here is 1, 2 or 3, the R
radicals are identical or different and are alkyl or aryl, and R' is aryl, which may also be fluorinated or partially fluorinated. In this case, the catalyst hi ~.' C9 ~~ ~,r _~ r_r comprises the product of the reaction of a metallocene with one of said compounds (cf. EP-A 277 004).
The polymerization or copolymerization is carried out in a known manner in solution, in suspension or in the gas phase, continuously or batchwise, in one or more steps, at a temperature of from 0 to 150°C, preferably from 30 to 80°C. Olefins of the formula R°-CH=CH-Rb are poly-merized or copolymerized. In this formula, Ra and Rb are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms. However, R° and Rb, together with the carbon atoms connecting them, may also form a ring. Examples of such olefins are ethylene, propylene, 1-butane, 1-hexane, 4-methyl-I-pentane, 1-octane, norbornene or norbornadiene. In particular, propylene and ethylene are polymerized.
The molecular weight regulator added, if necessary, is hydrogen. The overall pressure in the polymerization system is from 0.5 to 100 bar. The polymerization is preferably carried out i.n the industrially particularly interesting pressure range of from 5 to 64 bar.
The metallocene is used in a concentration, based on the transition mei~al, of from 10-3 to 10-e, preferably from 10-4 to 10-' mol of transition metal par dm'' of solvent or per dm~ of reactor volume . ~'ho a:1 uminoxrxne is used i.n a concentration of from 10-j to 10-1 mol, preferably from 104 to 10'z mol, per dm' of solvent or per dm~ of reactor volume. In principle, however, higher concentrations are also possible.
If the polymerization is carried out as a suspension or solution polymerization, an inert solvent which is customary for the Ziegler low-pressure process is used.
For example, the polymerization is carried out in an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon; examples of these which may be mentioned are butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, isooctane, cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane.

G a ~%..i a.? t.i ;'N, ~.

It is also possible to use a petroleum ether or hydro-genated diesel oil fraction. Toluene can also be used.
The polymerization is preferably carried out in the liquid monomer.
If inert solvents are used, the monomers are metered in in gaseous or liquid form.
The polymerization can have any desired duration since the catalyst system to be used according to the invention exhibits only a low time-dependent drop in polymerization activity.
The process is distinguished by the fact that the metallocenes according to the invention give, in the industrially interesting temperature range of between 30 and 80°C, polymers of high molecular weight, high stereo specificity and good particle morphology.
The zirconocenes according to the invention, in parti-cular, are in a molecular weight range which was the province of the hafnocenes in the previous prior art.
However, the latter had the disadvantage of only low polymerization activity and very high catalyst costs, and the polymers prepared using them had poor powder morphology.
The examples below arE~ intonded to a.7.lustrate tt~e inven-tion in greatsar detail..
Synthesis of the starting substances T) Synthesis of 2-Me-indene 110.45 g (0.836 mol) of 2-indanone were dissolved in 500 cm3 of diethyl ether, and 290 cm3 of 3 N (0.87 mol) ethereal methylGrignard solution were added dropwise at such a rate that the mixture refluxed gently. After the mixture had boiled for 2 hours under gentle reflux, it i~r~ ~e rL ,<' '~a t~ ~.3 ,,) ;9 Gd was transferred onto an ice/hydrochloric acid mixture, and a pH of 2-3 was established using ammonium chloride.
The organic phase was separated off, washed with NaHC03 and sodium chloride solution and dried, giving 98 g of crude product (2-hydroxy-2-methylindane), which was not purified further.
This product was dissolved in. 500 cm3 of toluene, 3 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid were added, and the mixture was heated on a water separator until the elimination of water was complete, and was evaporated, the residue was taken up in dichloromethane, the dichloromethane solution was filtered through silica gel, and the filtrate was distilled in vacuo (80°C/10 mbar).
Xield: 28.49 g (0.22 mol/26~).
The synthesis of this compound is also described in:
C.F. Koelsch, P.R. Johnson, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 65 (1943) 567-573.
TI) Synthesis of (2-Me-indene)ZSiMez 13 g (100 mmo7.) of 2-Me-indene were dissolved in 400 cm3 of diethyl ether, and 62.5 cm3 of 1.6 N (100 mmol) n-butyllithium/n-hexane solution were added dropwise over the course of 1 hour with ice cooling, and the mixture was then stirred at "35°C For a further 1 hour, 6.1 cm' (50 mntol) of dimethyldichlorosilane were intro-duced into 50 cm3 of Fa~O, and the lithio salt solution was added droF>wise at 0°C over the course of 5 hours, the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and left to stand aver the weekend.
The solid which had deposited was filtered off, and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The product was extracted using small portions of n-hexane, and the extracts were filtered and evaporated, giving 5.7 g (18.00 mmol) of white crystals. The mother liquor was evaporated, and the residue was then purified by column chromatography (n-hExane/HZCC12 9:1 by volume), giving a further 2.5 g (7.9 mmol/52~) of product (as an isomer mixture}.
Rf (Si02; n-hexane/HZCC12 9:1 by volume) = 0.37.
The 1H-NMR spectrum exhibits the signals expected for an isomer mixture with respect to shift and integration ratio.
III) Synthesis of (2-Me-Ind)zCH2CH2 3 g (23 mmol) of 2-Me-indene were dissolved in 50 cm3 of THF, 14.4 cm3 of 1.6 N (23.04 mmol) n-butyllithium/n-hex-ane solution were added dropwise, and the mixture was then stirred at 65°C for 1 hour. 1 ml (11.5 mmol) of 1,2-dibromoethane was then added at -78°C, and the mixture was allowed to warm to roam temperature and was stirred for 5 hours. The mixture was evaporated, and the residue was purified by column chromatography (SiOz;
n-hexane/HZCC12 9:1 by volume) .
The fractions containing the product were combined and evaporated, the residue was taken up in dry ether, the solution was dried over MgS04 and f9.ltered, and the solvent was stripped off.
Yield: 1.6 g (5.59 mmol/49~) of isomer mixture Rf ( SiOz; n-hexane/H2CC1~ 9 : 1 by volume ) = 0 . 46 .
The 1I~1--NMR spoctrum corresponds to expectations for an _LSOmE3r mixture in signal shift and integration.

w-,j ~~ .v ., c~ ~,1 S '~ ~-a N~ ~ r ~~,~ e> :d Synthesis of the metallocenes I
IV) Synthesis of rac-dimethylsilyl(2-Me-1-indenyl)2-zirconium dichloride 1.68 g (5.31 mmol) of the chelate ligand dimethylsilyl-(2-methylindene)z were introduced into 50 cm3 of THF, and 6.63 cm'' of a 1.6 N (10.61 mmo1) n-BuLi/n-hexane solution were added dropwise at ambient temperature over the course of 0.5 hour. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours at about 35°C, the solvent was stripped off in vacuo, and the residue was stirred with n-pentane, filtered off and dried.
The dilithio salt obtained in this way was added at -78°C
to a suspension of 1.24 g (5.32 mmol) of ZrCl4 in 50 cm3 of CHIC7.7, and the mixture was stirred at this temperature for 3 hours . The mixture was then warmed to room tempera-ture overnight and evaporated. The 1H-NMR spectrum showed, in addition to the presence of some ZrCl4(thf)z, a rac/meso mixture. After stirring with n-pentane and drying, the solid, yellow residue was suspended in THF, filtered off and examined by NMR spectroscopy. These Lhree working steps were repeated a number of times;
finally, 0.35 g (0.73 mmol/14~) of product was obtained in which the x-ac form, according to zH-NMR, was enriched to more than x.7:1.
The compound exhibited a correct elemental analysis and the following NMR signals (CDC13, 100 MHz): 8 = 1.25 (s, 6H, Si-Me); 2.18 (s, 6H, 2-Me); 6.8 (s, 2I-I, 3-H-Ind);
6.92-7.75 (m, BEI, 4-7-H-Ind).
V) rac-Dimethylsilyl(2-Me-1-indenyl)~dimethyl zirconium 0.24 g (0.58 mmol) of rac-dimethylsilyl(2-Me-1-indenyl)Z-zi.rconium dichloride in 40 cm3 of Et20 was added dropwise at -50°C with 1.3 cm' of a 1.6 N (2.08 mmol) ethereal MeLi solution, and the mixture was stirred at -10°C fox 2 F~~ ~ c.~ ~ o-d . e,3 hours. The solvent was replaced by n-pentane, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 1.5 hours, and the filtered residue was sublimed in vacuo, giving 0.19 g (0.44 mmol/81~) of sublimate having a correct elemental analysis.
VI) rac-Ethylene(2-Me-1.-indenyl)ZZirconium dichloride 14.2 cm3 of 2.5 N (35.4 mmol) n-BuLi/n-hexane solution were added dropwise over the course of 1 hour at room temperature to 5 . 07 g ( 1 7 . 7 mmol ) of the ligand ethylene-(2-methylindene)Z in 200 cm3 of THF, and the mixture was then stirred at about 50°C far 3 hours. A precipitate which formed temporarily dissolved again. The mixture was left to stand overnight.
6.68 g (17,7 mmol) of ZrCl,,(thf)~ in 250 cm3 of THF were added dropwise, simultaneously with the above dilithio salt solution, to about 50 cm3 of THF at 50°C, and the mixture was then stirred at this temperature for hours. The toluene extract of the evaporation residue was evaporated. The residue was extracted with a little 20 TI-IF, and the product was recrystallized from toluene, giving 0.44 g (0.99 mmol/5.6~) of product in which the rac form was enriched to more than 15:1.
The compound exhibited a correct ~lomc~ntal ~tnalysi~e and the following NMR sicJnals (CDC1~, 100 MEiz) : ~ = 2.08 (2s, 6H, 2-Me ) ; 3 . 45-4 , 18 (m, 4H, -CHzCH2-) ; 6 . 65 ( 2H, 3-I-I-Ind); 7.05-7.85 (m, 8H, 4-7-H-Ind).
VII) MezZr((2-Me-Ind)zCH2CHz]
1.43 g (3.20 mmol) of ClzZr[(2-Me-Ind)ZCHZCHz] were dis-solved in 50 cm'' of E~t~O, and 6 cm' of 1. 6 N ( 9 . 6 mmol ) ethereal methyllithium solution were added dropwise at -40°C. The mixture was stirred at -10°C for 2 hours and evaporated, the residue was taken up in n-hexane, the so:Lution was stirred at room temperature f.or 1 hour, h q' e..~' s:,V !s filtered and evaporated, and the product was sublimed.
Yield: 1.20 g (2.96 mmoll92~); correct elemental analysis.
VIII) ClzZr[(2-Me-Ind)ZSi.Ph2]
12.5 cm3 of 1.6 N (20 mmol) n-butyllithium/n-hexane solu-tion were added dropwise over the course of 0.5 hour at room temperature to 4.41 g (10 mmol) of (2-Me-Ind)ZSiPh2 in 40 cm3 of THF, and the mixture was then stirred at 55 °C
for 1 hour. The solvent was stripped off, and the residue was stirred in n-hexane, filtered off and dried in vacuo.
2.33 g (10 mmol) of ZrCl4 were suspended in 50 cm3 of HZCClz, the dilithio salt from the above reaction was added at -78°C, and the mixture was warmed to room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered and evaporated, and the residue was washed with several small portions of THF and then dried in vacuo, giving 2.11 g (3.51 mmol/35~) of product. The elemental analysis corresponded to the C, H, C1 values required.
IX) ClzZr[ (2-Me-Ind)zSiMePh]
12 cm3 of 2 . 5 I;i ( 30 mmol ) n-butyllithium/n-hexane solution were added dropwise over the course of 1 hour at 10°C to 5 . 68 g ( 15 mmol ) of ( 2-Mw-Ind ) ~SiMePh in 50 cm' of THF, and 'the mixture was then sti.rrod at 50"C for 1 hour and evaporated. 'rhe rasidue was suspended in n-hexane, filtered off and dried in vacuo.
3.5 g (15.02 mmol) of ZrCl,, were suspended in 100 cm3 of FIzCCI~, and the dilithio salt was added at -78°C. The mixture was then stirred at -25°C for 6 hours and at 0°C
for 2 hours and then filtered. The filtrate was evapora-ted, and the residue was extracted a number of times with a little THF and then dried in vacuo.
Yield: 1.47 g (2.73 mmal/18~); with correct elemental analysis.

,;y f~ r~ P' ~;) i~,r '~! i:'1 CS' ~~J .A

X) Cl2Zr[ (2-Et-Ind)ZCHzCHZ]
9.6 cm3 of 2.5 N (24 mmol) n-butyllithium/n-hexane solu-tion were added dropwise over the course of 10 minutes at room temperature to 3.77 g (11.99 mmol) of (2-Et-Ind)ZCHZCHZ in 150 cm3 of THF. The mixture was stirred at 50°C for 2 hours, and the resultant dilithio salt solution was cooled to ambient temperature and added dropwise over the course of 6 hours at 35°C, simul-taneously with an equal-volume solution of 4.53 g ( 12 mmol ) of ZrCl4, to 50 cm3 of THF, and stirring was continued overnight. The evaporated batch was extracted with several portions of a toluene/n-hexane mixture (3:1 by volume), and the extracts were filtered and evapora ted. The residue was washed with small portions of THF
and dried in vaeuo.
Yield: 2.37 g (4.99 mmol/42~) . The elemental analysis was correct.
XI) ClzZr[(2-Et-Ind)zSiMe2]
22.5 cm3 of 1.6 N (36 mmol) ethereal methyll.ithium solu-tion were added dropwise over the course of 1 hour at room temperature to 6 . 2 g ( 18 mmol ) of ( 2-Et-Ind) ZSiMe2 in 150 cm3 of THF, and the mixture was stirred at 45 °C
until the evolution of gas was complete. The solvent was stripped off, and the residue was then digested in n-pentane, filtered off and dried in vacuo.
The dilithio salt was added at -45°C to 4.2 g ( 18 . 02 mmol ) of ZrCl4 suspended in 100 cm3 of HZCC12, and the mixturo was allowed to warm to -20°C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for 3 hours, warmed to room temperature, filtered and evaporated. The residue was then extracted with several portions of toluene, and the extracts were filtered and evaporated. The residue was stirred with n-hexane, filtered off and dried in vacuo.
Yield: 1.04 g (2.06 mmol/11~). The substance exhibited a correct elemental analysis.

sx, ~,y p., j.:. ,~ ~
r - 4a ~:i 2.~ r'i iv4 ~, e~
XII) Cl2Zr[ (2-Me-Ind)ZCHMeCH2]
8.85 cm3 of 1.6 N (14.16 mmol) n-butyllithium/n-hexane solution were added dropwise over the course of 0.5 hour at room temperature to 2.12 g (7.06 mmol) of (2-Me-Ind)ZCHMeCH2 in 40 cm3 of THF, and the mixture was then stirred at 55°C for 1.5 hours. This solution was then added at 0°C over a period of 2 hours to 2.66 g (7.05 mmol) of ZrCl4(thf)2 in 50 cm3 of THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours and evaporated, the residue was extracted with several small portions of toluene/n-hexane 1:1 (by volume), the extracts were evaporated, the residue was extracted with warm n-hexane, the extracts were evaporated, and the residue was filtered off.
Yield: 0.44 g (0.96 mmol/14$); correct elemental analysis.
XIII) Cl2Zr[ (2-Me-Ind)ZCMe2]
8 . 2 cm3 ( 13 .12 mmol ) of 1. 6 N ethereal methyllithium solu-tion were added dropwise at 0°C to 1.97 g (6.56 mmol) of (2-Me-Ind)zCMez dissolved in 60 cm3 of EtzO, and the mixture was then refluxed for 2 hours and evaporated. The residue was stirred with n-hexane, separated off and dried in vacuo.
The dilithio salt obtained was add~d at .-50°C to a suspension of 1.53 g (6.57 mmol) of ZrCl,, in 60 cm3 of HzCClz, the mixture was stirred at -35°C for 3 hours, warmed to room temperature and filtered, the residue was extracted with a few portions of toluene/n-hexane, the extracts were evaporated, the residue was stirred with n-pentane, and the solvent was stripped off in vacuo.
Yield: 0.81 g (1.76 mmol/27~); correct elemental analysis.

~~J ~~ S.~ ~ n! -.5 P

xzv) Me2Zr[ (2-Me-Ind)zsiMePh]
6.5 cm3 of 1.6 N (10.4 mmol) ethereal methyllithium solu-tion were added dropwise at -50°C to 2.29 g (4.25 mmol) of Cl2Zr[(2-Me-Ind)zSiMePh] dissolved in 50 cm3 of Et20, and the mixture was stirred at -25°C for 2.5 hours. The solvent was replaced by n-hexane, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 1 hour and filtered, the filtrate was concentrated somewhat and re-filtered, and the solvent was evaporated.
Yield: 1.58 g (3.17 mmol/75~); correct elemental analysis.
Abbreviations:
Me - methyl, Et - ethyl, Bu - butyl, Ph - phenyl, Ind = indenyl, THF = tetrahydrofuran, PP = polypropylene, PE = polyethylene.
Metallocenes I as catalysts for the polymerization of olefins The following abbreviations are used:
VN - viscosity number in cm3/g MW - weight average molecular weight determined by in g/mol gel permeation MW/Mn - molecular weight dispersity _ chromatography II - isotactic index (II = mm -H 1/2 mr), determined by 1~C-NMR eipectroscopy BD - polymer bulk density in g/dm3 MFI (230/5) = melt flow index in g/10 min, measured in accordance with DIN 53735 Example 1 12 dm3 of liquid propylene were introduced into a dry 24 dm3 reactor which had been flushed with nitrogen.
cm3 of a toluene soJ.ution of methylaluminoxane (corresponding to 52 mmol of Al, mean degree of oligomerization n = 17) were then added, and the batch was stirred at 30°C for 15 minutes.
In parallel, 6.9 mg (0.015 mmol) of rac-ethylene-(2-Me-1-Indenyl)ZZirconium dichloride were diss6lved in 13.5 cm3 of a toluene solution of methylaluminoxane (20 mmol of A1) and preactivated by standing for minutes.
The solution was then introduced into the reactor and 10 heated to 70°C (10°C/min) by supply of heat, and the polymerization system was kept at 70°C for 1 hour by cooling. The polymerization was terminated by removing the excess monomer in gas form. 1.56 kg of polypropylene were obtained.
15 The activity of the metallocene was thus 226 kg of PP/g of metallocene x h.
vN = 67 cm'/g; MW = 5B 900 g/mol; MW/M" = 2.0; II = 95,9;
BD = 350 g/dm3.
Example 2 Example 1 was repeated, but 10.1 mg (0.023 mmol) of the metallocene were used and tho polymerization was carried out at 50°C.
0.51 kg of polymer powder wore obtained, corresponding to a metallocene activity of 50.5 kg of PP/g of metallo cone x h.
VN - 100 cm'/g; Mp - 108 500 g/mol; MW/M" - 2.2;
II = 96.4; MFI (230/5) = 210 g/10 min.

9y !\ n~ ~.-1 k.~ ~' 4~ ry Fd ! a Example 3 Example 1 was repeated, but 10.5 mg (0.023 mmol) of the metallocene were employed and the polymerization was carried out at 30°C for 10 hours.
1.05 kg of polymer powder were obtained, corresponding to a metallocene activity of 10.0 kg of PP/g of metallo-cene x h.
VN - 124 cm3/g; MH, - 157 000 g/mol; M~"/M" - 2.2;
II = 96.3; MFI (230/5) = 104 g/10 min.
Comparative Examples A-C
'fhe polymerization was carried out in an analogous manner to Examples 1 to 3 using the metallocene rac-ethylenebis-indenylzirconium dichloride. The viscosity numbers and molecular weights of the resultant polymer products were:
Comp. Ex. Polym. temp. VN M~, (°Cl Lcm3/g~ Ig/mol]

These comparative examples domonstrato the molecular weight-increasing effect of the substituent in the 2-position on the indenyl ligand.
P:xample 4 The procedure was as in Example 1, but 4.0 mg (0.008 mmol) of rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2 zirconium dichloride were used.
The metallocene activity was 293 kg of PP/g of metallo-cene x h.

- 2 4 - H~ ; ~ ~.3 ,.i G3 .. ~,i VN - 171 cm3/g; Mw - 197 000 g/mol; M",/I~, - 2.5;
II = 96.0; MFI (230/5) = 43.2 g/10 min; BD = 460 g/dm3;
m.p. - 145°C.
Example 5 The procedure was as in Example 1, but 6.0 mg (0.013 mmol) of rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2-zirconium dichloride were used.
The polymerization temperature was 60°C and the polymeri-zation time was 1 hour.
The metallocene activity was 178 kg of PP/g of metallo-cene x h.
VN - 217 cm'/g; MW - 297 000 g/mol; MW/M~ - 2.3;
II = 96.4; MFI (230/5) = 12.9 g/10 min; m.p. - 148°C.
Example 6 The procedure was as in Example 1, but 2.4 mg (0.0052 mmol) of rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2-zirconium dichloride were used. The polymerization temperature was 50°C and the polymerization time was 3 hours.
The metallocene act9.vity wan 89 kc3 of PI?/g o~ metallocene x h.
VN - 259 cm''/g; MW - 342 500 g/mol; MW/Mn - 2.1;
II = 96.8; MF'I (230/5) = 8.1 g/10 min; m.p. - 150°C.
Example 7 The procedure was as in Example 1, but 9.9 mg (0.021 mmol) of rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2-zirconium dichloride were used.

., ;,w? i ~-~ 7J e~ ~J ../~a _P..

The polymerization temperature was 30°C and 'the polymeri-zation time was 2 hours.
The metallocene activity was 26.5 kg of PP/g of metallo-cene x h.
VN - 340 cm3/g; MW - 457 000 g/mol; Mw/Mn - 2.4;
II = 96.0; MF'I (230/5) = 2.5 g/10 min.
Example 8 6 dm3 of a gasoline fraction having a boiling range of 100-120°C with the aromatic components removed, and 6 dm3 of liquid propylene were introduced into a dry 24 dm3 reactor which had been flushed with nitrogen. 35 cm3 of a toluene solution of methylaluminoxane (corresponding to 52 mmol of A1, mean degree of oligomerization n = 17) were then added, and the batch was stirred at 30°C for 30 minutes.
In parallel, 14.7 mg (0.031 mmol) of rac-dimethylsilyl (2-methyl-1-indenyl)ZZirconium dichloride were dissolved in 13.5 cm~ of a toluene solution of methylaluminoxane (20 mmol of A1) and preactivated by standing for 30 minutes.
The solution was then introduced into the reactor, the polymerization system was kept at 50°C for 1 hour by cooling. The polymerization was terminated by addition of 50 cm3 of isopropanol.
The metallocene activity was 159.2 kg of. PP/g of metallo-cene x h.
VN - 188 cm3/g; MW - 240 000 g/mol; MW/M" - 2.1;
II = 96.0; MFI (230/5) = 28.6 g/10 min.

r ~~ r iJ ~~ C~ ii ~ " !.

Example 9 Example 8 was repeated, but 15.2 mg (0.032 mmol) of the metallocene were used, the polymerization time was 2 hours, and the palymeri~ation temperature was 30°C.
The metalloCene activity was 24.1 kg of PP/g of metallo-cene x h.
VN - 309 cm3/g; M", - 409 000 g/mol; M",/M" - 2.3;
II = 97.0; MFI (230/5) = 3.5 g/10 min.
Comparative Examples D-F
The polymerization was carried out in an analogous manner to Examples 4, 6 and 7 using the metallocene dimethyl-silylbisindenylzirr_onium dichloride. The viscosity numbers and molecular weights of the resultant polymer products were:
Comp. Ex. Polym. temp. VN N~"
C°~l fCm3/gJ Ig/mol~

These examples d~monst:xa-to the molocu:Lar we:Lght~
increasing efl:ect of the substituent in the 2-position. on the indenyl l:igand.
Example 10 Example 1 was repeated, but 4.1 mg (0.008 mmol) of the metallocene rac-phenyl(methyl)si.lyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)x ZrCll were used.
1.10 kg of polypropylene were obtained, corresponding to a metallocene activity ~af 269 kg of PP/g of metallo-cene x h.

~; t~ C~ ~d .i. ~~

VN = 202 cm3/g; MW = 230 000 g/mol; Mw/Mn = 2.3; II = 97~;
MFI (230/5) = 36 g/10 min; m.p. - 147°C.
Example 11 Example 1 was repeated, but 5.2 mg (0.009 mmol) of the metallocene rac-diphenylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)xZrCl2 were used.
1.14 kg of polypropylene were obtained. The metallocene activity was thus 219 kg of PP/g of metallocene x h.
VN - 298 cm~/g; MW - 367 000 g/mol; MW/Mn - 2.2;
MFI (230/5) = 7.1 g/10 min.
Example 12 Example 1 was repeated, but 17.4 mg (0.038 mmol) of the metallocene rac-methylethylene(2-methyl-1-indenyl)zZrClZ
were used.
2.89 kg of polypropylene were obtained. The metallocene activity was thus 165.9 kg of PP/g of metallocene x h.
VN = 138 cm3/g; MW = 129 000 g/mol; MW/Mr, = 2.2; m.p. _ 150°C.
Example 13 Example 1 was repeated, but 9.6 mg (0.02 mmol) of the metallocene rac-dimethylsilyl(2-ethyl-1-indenyl)2 zirconium dichloride were used.
1.68 kg of polypropylene, corresponding to a metallocene activity of 175.0 kg of PP/g of metallocene x h, were obtained.
VN - 143 cm3/g; Mw - 132 000 g/mol; Mw,/M=, - 2.3;
m.p. - 140°C.

Claims

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula I
in which M1 is a metal from group IVb, Vb or VIb of the Periodic Table, R1 and R2 are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a C1-C10-alkyl group, a C1-C10-alkoxy group, a C6-C10-aryl group, a C6-C10-aryloxy group, a C2-C10-alkenyl group, a C7-C40-arylalkyl group, a C7-C40-alkylaryl group, a C8-C40-arylalkenyl group or a halogen atom, R3 and R4 are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C10-alkyl group, which may be halogenated, a C6-C10-aryl group, an -NR2 10, -SR10, -OSiR3 10, -SiR3 10 or -PR2 10 radical in which R10 is a halogen atom, a C1-C10-alkyl group or a C6-C10-aryl group, R5 and R6 are identical or different and are as defined for R3 and R4, with the proviso that R5 and R6 are not hydrogen, =BR11, =AlR11, -Ge-, -Sn-, -O-, -S-, =SO, =SO2, =NR11, =CO, =PR11 or =P (O) R11, where R11, R12 and R13 are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C10-alkyl group, a C1-C10-fluoroalkyl group, a C6-C10-aryl group, a C6-C10-fluoroaryl group, a C1-C10-alkoxy group, a C2-C10-alkenyl group, a C7-C10-arylalkyl group, a C8-C40-arylalkenyl group or a C7-C40-alkylaryl group, or R11 and R12 or R11 and R13, in each case with the atoms connecting them, form a ring, M2 is silicon, germanium or tin, R8 and R3 are identical or different and are as defined for R11, and m and n are identical or different and are zero, 1 or 2, m plus n being zero, 1 or 2, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula II
where R3-R9, m and n are as described in the formula I, and M3 is an alkali metal, a) with a compound of the formula III
M1X4 (III) in which M~ is as defined in the formula I, and X is a halogen atom, or b) with a compound of the formula IIIa M1X4L2 (IIIa) in which M1 and X are as defined above, and L is a donor ligand, and, if desired, derivatizing the resultant reaction product.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the formula I, M1 is Zr or Hf, R1 and R2 are identical or different and are methyl or chlorine, R3 and R4 are hydrogen, R5 and R6 are identical or different and are methyl, ethyl or trifluoro-methyl, R7 is a radical, and n plus m is zero or 1.

3. A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula I as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the compound is rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2zirconium dichloride, rac-ethylene(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2zirconiurn dichloride, rac-dimethylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2dimethylzirconium, rac-ethylene(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2dimethylzirconium, rac-phenyl(methyl)silyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2zirconium dichloride, rac-diphenylsilyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2zirconium dichloride, rac-methylethylene(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2zirconium dichloride, rac-dimethylsilyl(2-ethyl-1-indenyl)2Zirconium dichloride, rac-ethylene(2-ethyl-1-indenyl)2zirconium dichloride, rac-isopropylidene (2-methyl-1-indenyl)2zirconium dichloride or rac-phenyl (methyl) silyl(2-methyl-1-indenyl)2dimethyl zirconium.

4. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein M3 in formula II is lithium.

5. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein X in formula III is chlorine.

6. A use of a compound of the formula I as defined in claim 1 as a catalyst in the polymerization of olefins.