Linear alpha olefins (LAOs) are an important commodity used in high-performance plastics, motor oils, and synthetic lubricants. LAOs are short to long carbon chain molecules produced via selective polymerization of ethylene using transition metal catalysts. This project aims to develop a viable synthetic route to produce a ligand that can direct a metal complex to selectively catalyze the formation of LAOs. The ligand is referred to as the PCN-type ligand, which coordinates through phosphorus, carbon, and nitrogen to the metal. The PCN ligand features a benzimidazole central carbene with asymmetrical opposing pendant arms featuring an imine and phosphine. The pre-ligand has been verified through a multi-step synthesis process using air-sensitive techniques. Investigation into the isolation of metal complexes is underway. The synthetic steps to obtain the ligand precursor molecules have been described. The precursor molecule structures have been verified with 1H-NMR and FT-IR. Future work will validate the synthesis of the pre-ligand as well as new metal-coordinated ligand molecules.
