Hydro- and chloro-substituted silyl- and silyl-η-amido-η-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl titanium complexes

Chlorosilyl-cyclopentadienyl titanium precursors [Ti(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMeXCl)Cl₃] (X=H 2, Cl 3) were prepared by reaction of TiCl₄ with the trimethylsilyl derivatives of the corresponding cyclopentadienes. Methylation of these compounds with MgClMe under appropriate conditions afforded the methyl complexes [Ti(η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMe₂R)XMe₂] (R=H, X=Cl 5, Me 6; R=X=Me 7). Reactions of 2 and 3 with two equivalents of LiNH^tBu afforded the ansa-silyl-η-amido compounds [Ti{η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMeX(η¹-N^tBu)}Cl₂] (X=H 8, Cl 9). Methylation of 8 gave [Ti{η⁵-C₅Me₄SiMeH(η¹-N^tBu)}Me₂] 10. Complex 9 was also obtained by reaction of 8 with BCl₃, whereas the same reaction using alternative chlorinating agents (TiCl₄, HCl) resulted in deamidation to give 2, which was also converted into 3 by reaction with BCl₃. All of the new compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and the molecular structures of 2 and 4 were determined by X-ray diffraction methods.     

A contribution to 1-azapentadienylmetal chemistry: Si, Sn(II), Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes

Complexes of three related 1-azapentadienyl ligands [N(SiMe₂R¹)C(Bu^t)(CH)₃SiMe₂R]⁻, abbreviated as L (R = Bu^t, R¹ = Me), L′ (R = Me = R¹), and L″ (R = Bu^t = R¹), are described. The crystalline compounds Sn(L)₂ (1), Sn(L′)₂ (2), [Sn(L′)(μ-Cl)]₂ (3) and [Sn(L″)(μ-Cl)]₂ (4) were prepared from SnCl₂ and 2 K(L), 2 K(L′), K(L′) and K(L″), respectively, in thf. Treatment of the appropriate lithium 1-azapentadienyl with Si(Cl)Me₃ yielded the yellow crystalline Me₃Si(L) (5) and the volatile liquid Me₃Si(L′) (6) and Me₃Si(L″) (7), each being an N,N,C-trisilyldieneamine. The red, crystalline Fe(L)₂ (8) and Co(L′)₂ (9) were obtained from thf solutions of FeCl₂ with 2 Li(L)(tmeda) and CoCl₂ with 2 K(L′), respectively. Each of 1-9 gave satisfactory C, H, N analyses; 6 and 7 (GC-MS) and 1, 2, 8 and 9 (MS) showed molecular cations and appropriate fragments (also 3 and 4). The ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR (1-4) and IR spectra support the assignment of 1-4 as containing Sn-N(SiMe₂R¹)-C(Bu^t)(CH)₃SiMe₂R moieties and 5-7 as N(SiMe₃)(SiMe₂R¹)C(Bu^t)(CH)₃SiMe₂R molecules; for 1-4 this is confirmed by their X-ray structures. The magnetic moments for 8 (5.56 μ_B) and 9 (2.75 μ_B) are remarkably close to the appropriate Fe and Co complex [M{η³-N(SiMe₃)C(Bu^t)C(H)SiMe₃}₂]; hence it is proposed that 8 and 9 have similar metal-centred, centrosymmetric, distorted octahedral structures.     

Bis(pyrazole)- and bis(pyrazolyl)-palladium complexes as phenylacetylene polymerization catalysts

Two types of pyrazole-based palladium complexes were used to catalyze the polymerization of phenylacetylene. Catalysts with electron-withdrawing linkers, [{1,3-(3,5-R₂pzCO)₂C₆H₄}Pd₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂] (R = ^tBu (1), Ph (2), Me (3), [{2,6-(3,5-R₂pzCO)₂C₅H₃N)}PdCl₂] (R = ^tBu (4), Me (5)), show high conversion; whilst those with simple pyrazole ligands, [(3,5-R₂pz)₂PdCl₂] (R = H (6), Me (7), ^tBu (8)), [(3,5-^tBu₂pz)₂PdCl(Me)] (9), have much lower conversions. Conversion greatly improved when 9 was used to catalyze the co-polymerization of sulfur dioxide and phenylacetylene. Both types of catalysts produce predominantly trans–cisoidal polyphenylacetylene.     

1-Methyl-4-ferrocenylmethyl-3,5-diphenylpyrazole: A versatile ligand for palladium(II) and platinum(II)

The syntheses and characterization of two novel ferrocene derivatives containing 3,5-diphenylpyrazole units of general formula [1-R-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc] {Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄) and R = H (2) or Me (3)} together with a study of their reactivity with palladium(II) and platinum(II) salts or complexes under different experimental conditions is described. These studies have allowed us to isolate and characterize trans-[Pd{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}₂Cl₂] (4a) and three different types of heterodimetallic complexes: cis-[M{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] {M = Pd (5a) or Pt (5b)}, the cyclometallated products [M{κ²-C,N-[3-(C₆H₄)-1-Me-5-Ph-(C₃N₂)]-CH₂-Fc}Cl(L)] with L = PPh₃ and M = Pd (6a) or Pt (6b) or L = dmso and M = Pt (8b) and the trans-isomer of [Pt{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] (7b). In compounds 4a, 5a, 5b and 7b, the ligand behaves as a neutral N-donor group; while in 6a, 6b and 8b it acts as a bidentate [C(sp²,phenyl),N(pyrazole)]⁻ group. A comparative study of the spectroscopic properties of the compounds, based on NMR, IR and UV-Visible experiments, is also reported.     

From platina-β-diketones to diacetylplatinum(II) complexes - Synthesis, characterization and structural features

The reaction of the electronically unsaturated platina-β-diketone [Pt₂{(COMe)₂H}₂(μ-Cl)₂] (1a) with N^?N donors led to the formation of diacetyl(hydrido)platinum(IV) complexes [Pt(COMe)₂Cl(H)(N^?N)] (2). By the reaction of these complexes with NaOH in a two-phase system (H₂O/CH₂Cl₂) diacetylplatinum(II) complexes [Pt(COMe)₂(N^?N)] (N^?N = bpy, 4a; 4,4′-Me₂-bpy, 4b; 4,4′-t-Bu₂-bpy, 4c; 4,4′-Ph₂-bpy, 4d; 4,4′-t-Bu₂-6-n-Bu-bpy, 4e; bpym, 4f; bpyr, 4g; phen, 4h; 4-Me-phen, 4i; 5-Me-phen, 4j) were obtained. All complexes were characterized by microanalysis, IR and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, complexes 4a, 4c, 4d and 4e were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The observed variety of packing patterns resulting from π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding is discussed.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and DFT studies of [Me3EM(CO)5] (E = Sb, Bi; M = Cr, W), cis-[(Me3Sb)2Mo(CO)4], and [Bu3BiFe(CO)4]

Syntheses of [Me₃SbM(CO)₅] [M = Cr (1), W (2)], [Me₃BiM(CO)₅] [M = Cr (3), W (4)], cis-[(Me₃Sb)₂Mo(CO)₄] (5), [^tBu₃BiFe(CO)₄] (6), crystal structures of 1-6 and DFT studies of 1-4 are reported.     

Synthesis and reactivity of asymmetrically substituted ansa-bridged zirconocene complexes: X-ray crystal structures of [Zr{R(H)C(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H4)}Cl2] (R = Bu, Bu) and [Zr{Bu(H)C(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H4)}(CH2Ph)2]

The dialkyl complexes, (R = Prⁱ, R′ = Me (2a), CH₂Ph (3a); R = Buⁿ, R′ = Me (2b), CH₂Ph (3b); R = Bu^t, R′ = Me (2c), CH₂Ph (3c); R = Ph, R′ = Me (2d), CH₂Ph (3d)), have been synthesized by the reaction of the ansa-metallocene dichloride complex, [Zr{R(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] (R = Prⁱ (1a), Buⁿ (1b), Bu^t (1c), Ph (1d)), and two molar equivalents of the alkyl Gringard reagent. The insertion reaction of the isocyanide reagent, CNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6, into the zirconium-carbon σ-bond of 2 gave the corresponding η²-iminoacyl derivatives, [Zr{R(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}{η²-MeCNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6}Me] (R = Prⁱ (4a), Buⁿ (4b), Bu^t (4c), Ph (4d)). The molecular structures of 1b, 1c and 3b have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis and evaluation of substituted pyrazoles palladium(II) complexes as ethylene polymerization catalysts

The substituted pyrazole palladium complexes, (3,5-^tBu₂pz)₂PdCl₂ (1) (3,5-Me₂pz)₂PdCl₂ (2), (3-Mepz)₂PdCl₂ (3) and (pz)₂PdCl₂ (4) (pzH=pyrazole), can be prepared from the reaction of (COD)PdCl₂ with the appropriate pyrazole. The chloromethyl derivative, (3,5-^tBu₂pz)₂PdCl(Me) (5), was prepared from (COD)PdClMe and ^tBu₂pzH. X-ray crystal structure determination of 1 and 5 established their structures in the solid state to be the trans-isomer. After activation of 1-4 and 5 with methylaluminoxane (MAO) the resulting palladium complexes were used as catalysts in ethylene polymerization, yielding linear high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The highest activity was observed for (3,5-^tBu₂pz)PdClMe.     

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum complexes of 2-pyrazol-1-yl-ethenolate ligands

The synthesis and the characterization of some new aluminum complexes with bidentate 2-pyrazol-1-yl-ethenolate ligands are described. 2-(3,5-Disubstituted pyrazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethanones, 1-PhC(O)CH₂-3,5-R₂C₃HN₂ (1a, R = Me; 1b, R = Bu^t), were prepared by solventless reaction of 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole or 3,5-di-tert-butyl pyrazole with PhC(O)CH₂Br. Reaction of 1a or 1b with (R¹ = Me, Et) yielded N,O-chelate alkylaluminum complexes (2a, R = R¹ = Me; 2b, R = Bu^t, R¹ = Me; 2c, R = Me, R¹ = Et). Compound 1a was readily lithiated with LiBuⁿ in thf or toluene to give lithiated species 3. Treatment of 3 with 0.5 equiv of MeAlCl₂ or AlCl₃ yielded five-coordinated aluminum complexes [XAl(OC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1})₂] (4, X = Me; 5, X = Cl). Reaction of 5 with an equiv of LiHBEt₃ generated [Al(OC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1})₃] (6). Complex 6 was also obtained by reaction of 3 with 1/3 equiv of AlCl₃. Treatment of 5 with 2 equiv of AlMe₃ yielded complex 2a, whereas with an equiv of AlMe₃ afforded a mixture of 2a and [Me(Cl)AlOC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1}] (7). Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a-2c and 4-6 were characterized by elemental analyses, NMR and IR (for 1a and 1b) spectroscopy. The structures of complexes 2a and 5 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Both 2a and 5 are monomeric in the solid state. The coordination geometries of the aluminum atoms are a distorted tetrahedron for 2a or a distorted trigonal bipyramid for 5.     

New group 14 element(IV) β-diiminates and a Sn(II) analogue

Seven group 14 element(IV) compounds 2-7 have been prepared, derived either (2-5) from the potassium β-diketiminate K(L) [L = {N(Ar)C(Me)}₂CH, Ar = C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6] (1) or the known lithium β-dialdiminate Li(L′)] [L′ = {N(Ar)C(H)}₂CPh, Ar = C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6]. Treatment of 1 with Bu^tC(O)Cl, Me₃SiCl, Ph₃SnCl, or Me₃SnCl afforded {N(Ar)C(Me)}₂C(H)C(O)Bu^t (2), [ArNC(Me)C(H)C(Me)N(Ar)SiMe₃] (3), [HN(Ar)C(Me)C(H)C(CH₂SnPh₃)N(Ar)] (4), or (5), respectively. Compounds 4 and 5 are remarkable as they have arisen from a tautomer of 1; crystalline centrosymmetric 5 has a fused tricyclic structure, a central eight-membered ring flanked by two six-membered rings. The compounds [GeCl₂(L′)(OGeCl₃)] (6) or [SnCl(L′)Me₂] (7), the first group 14 metal β-dialdiminates, were obtained from Li(L′) and (GeCl₃)₂O or Me₂SnCl₂, respectively. The Sn(II) compound SnCl(L′) (8) was prepared from SnCl₂ and K(L′). The molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 3-8 are reported.     

High-pressure NMR study of migratory CO-insertion in palladium-methyl complexes modified with Cs-symmetrical 1,4-diphosphines

Carbonylation of the palladium complexes [PdCH₃(P^∧P′)Cl] (P^∧P′ = 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and [PdCH₃(P^∧P′)(CH₃CN)](OTf) was investigated by means of high-pressure NMR with the determination of the half-life times t_1/2. The results were rationalized on the basis of the electronic properties of the diphosphines and the nature of the solvento ligand in the first coordination sphere. The crystal structures of the complexes [Pd(1b)Cl₂] and [Pd(1b)(H₂O)₂](OTf)₂ are described (1b = 1-(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-2-[bis(3- trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphinomethyl]benzene).     

Preparation,NMR studies and crystal structure of mononuclear and dinuclear Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes that contain 1,2-bis[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-2-thiapropyl]benzene

The reaction between 1,2-bis[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-2-thiapropyl]benzene (bddf) and [MCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] (M = Pd(II), Pt(II)) in a 1:1 M/L ratio in CH₂Cl₂ or acetonitrile solution, respectively, gave the complexes trans-[MCl₂(bddf)] (M = Pd(II) (1), Pt(II) (4)), and in a 2:1 M/L ratio led to [M₂Cl₄(bddf)] (M = Pd(II) (2), Pt(II) (5)). Treatment of 1 and 4 with AgBF₄ and NaBPh₄, respectively, gave the compounds [Pd(bddf)](BF₄)₂ (3) and [Pt(bddf)](BPh₄)₂ (6). When complexes 3 and 6 were heated under reflux in a solution of Et₄NBr in CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH (1:1) for 24 h, analogous complexes to 1 and 4 with bromides instead of chlorides bonded to the metallic centre were obtained. These complexes were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared, ¹H, ¹H{¹⁹⁵Pt}, ¹³C{¹H}, ¹⁹⁵Pt{¹H} NMR, HSQC and NOESY spectroscopies. The X-ray crystal structure of the complex [Pd(bddf)](BF₄)₂ · H₂O has been determined. The metal atom is tetracoordinated by the two azine nitrogen atoms of the pyrazole rings and two thioether groups.     

Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) complexes with chiral aminophosphine ligands: Catalytic behaviour in asymmetric hydrovinylation. Crystal structure of cis-[PdCl2(PPh((R)-NHCHCH3Ph)2)2]

Optically active ligands of type Ph₂PNHR (R = (R)-CHCH₃Ph, (a); (R)-CHCH₃Cy, (b); (R)-CHCH₃Naph, (c)) and PhP(NHR)₂ (R = (R)-CHCH₃Ph, (d); (R)-CHCH₃Cy, (e)) with a stereogenic carbon atom in the R substituent were synthesized. Reaction with [PdCl₂(COD)₂] produced [PdCl₂P₂] (1) (P = PhP(NHCHCH₃Ph)₂), whose molecular structure determined by X-ray diffraction showed cis disposition for the ligands. All nitrogen atoms of amino groups adopted S configuration. The new ligands reacted with allylic dimeric palladium compound [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)Cl]₂ to gave neutral aminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)ClP] (2a-2e) or cationic aminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)P₂]BF₄ (3a-3e) in the presence of the stoichiometric amount of AgBF₄. Cationic complexes [Pd(η⁴3-2-methylallyl)(NCCH₃)P]BF₄ (4a-4e) were prepared in solution to be used as precursors in the catalytic hydrovinylation of styrene. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy showed the existence of an equilibrium between the expected cationic mixed complexes 4, the symmetrical cationic complexes [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)P₂]BF₄ (3) and [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)(NCCH₃)₂]BF₄ (5) coming from the symmetrization reaction. The extension of the process was studied with the aminophosphines (a-e) as well as with nonchiral monodentate phosphines (PCy₃ (f), PBn₃ (g), PPh₃ (h), PMe₂Ph (i)) showing a good match between the extension of the symmetrization and the size of the phosphine ligand. We studied the influence of such equilibria in the hydrovinylation of styrene because the behaviour of catalytic precursors can be modified substantially when prepared ‘in situ’. While compounds 3 and bisacetonitrile complex 5 were not active as catalysts, the [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)(η²-styrene)₂]⁺ species formed in the absence of acetonitrile showed some activity in the formation of codimers and dimers. Hydrovinylation reaction between styrene and ethylene was tested using catalytic precursors solutions of [Pd(η³-2-methylallyl)LP]BF₄ ionic species (L = CH₃CN or styrene) showing moderate activity and good selectivity. Better activities but lower selectivities were found when L = styrene. Only in the case of the precursor containing Ph₂PNHCHCH₃Ph (a) ligand was some enantiodiscrimination (10%) found.     

Reactions of 1,2-catechol with Bu3M (M = Ga, In). Structures of intermediate products

Reactions of 1,2-catechol with ^tBu₃M (M = Ga, In) have been studied. Trinuclear compounds [^tBu₅M₃(OC₆H₄O)₂] [M = Ga (1), M = In (2)] were synthesised in the reaction of 2 equiv. of C₆H₄(OH)₂ with 3 equiv. of ^tBu₃M in refluxing solvents. At room temperature the reaction of 1,2-catechol with ^tBu₃In in Et₂O leads to the formation of a binuclear complex [^tBu₄In₂(OC₆H₄OH)₂ · 2Et₂O] (3) possessing a four-membered In₂O₂ core and two unreacted hydroxyl groups. The same reaction carried out in a non-coordinating solvent (CH₂Cl₂) results in formation a compound [^tBu₃In₂(OC₆H₄O)(OC₆H₄OH)] (4), which undergoes a reaction with ^tBu₃In to yield the product 2. Moreover two intermediate isomeric products 5 and 6 of formula [^tBu₃Ga₂(OC₆H₄O)(OC₆H₄OH)] were isolated from the post-reaction mixture of 1,2-catechol with ^tBu₃Ga. The compound 6 possessing a different coordination of gallium atoms than 5 is a result of the intramolecular rearrangement of the compound 5 to decrease the steric repultion between ligands. Compounds 3 and 6 were structurally characterised. According to the structure of intermediate products 3-6 a reaction pathway of 1,2-catechols with group 13 metal trialkyls was proposed.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of novel lithium- and palladium-1-azaallyls

Treatment of (RH₂C)₂C₅H₃N-2,6 (R=SiMe₃) with BuⁿLi followed by addition of Me₃SiCl gave the tetrasilyl pyridine derivative (R₂HC)₂C₅H₃N-2,6 1 in high yield. Further lithiation of 1 with BuⁿLi and reaction of the intermediate with PhCN led to the new lithium-1-azaallyl [Li{N(R)C(Ph)C(R)(C₅H₃N-2,6)(CHR₂)}]₂2, while metallation of the previously described di-lithium compounds [Li{N(R)C(R^′)CH}₂(C₅H₃-2,6)]Li(tmen)_n (R=SiMe₃, R^′=Bu^t, n=1 or R=SiMe₃, R^′=Ph, n=2) with PdCl₂(PhCN)₂ yielded the novel metallacycles [Pd{{N(H)(R)C(R^′)CH}{N(SiMe₂CH₂)C(R^′)CH}C₅H₃N-2,6}] 3 (R^′=Bu^t) and [Pd{{N(R)C(R^′)CH}{N(R)(H)C(R^′)CH}C₅H₃N-2,6}₂] (R^′=Ph) 4 in moderate to low yield. Compound 3 is unusual in being the first example of a crystallographically characterised PdNSiC heterocycle which is believed to be formed via an intramolecular CH-activation of a trimethylsilyl group by Pd(II). All four compounds were fully characterised by NMR-spectroscopy, microanalysis (not 4) and X-ray diffraction.     

Ruthenium(III) and iridium(III) complexes with nicotine

A new chloride-dimethylsulfoxide-ruthenium(III) complex with nicotine trans-[Ru^IIICl₄(DMSO)[H-(Nicotine)]] (1) and three related iridium(III) complexes; [H-(Nicotine)]trans-[Ir^IIICl₄(DMSO)₂] (2), trans-[Ir^IIICl₄(DMSO)[H-(Nicotine)]] (3) and mer-[Ir^IIICl₃(DMSO)(Nicotine)₂] (4) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and by single crystal X-ray diffraction (1, 2, and 4). Protonated nicotine at pyrrolidine nitrogen is present in complexes 1 and 3 while two neutral nicotine ligands are observed in 4. In these three inner-sphere complexes coordination occurs through the pyridine nitrogen. Moreover, in the outer-sphere complex 2, an electrostatic interaction is observed between a cationic protonated nicotine at the pyrrolidine nitrogen and the anionic trans-[Ir^IIICl₄(DMSO)₂]^¯ complex.     

Dibenzothiepins, phthalans and phthalides from 4-heterosubstituted dibenzothiins

The lithiation of 4-heterosubstituted dibenzothiins 1 (phenoxathiin, phenothiazine and thianthrene) with lithium and a catalytic amount of 4,4′-di-tert-butylbiphenyl (DTBB, 7.5% molar) in THF at temperatures ranging from −90 to −78°C gives the corresponding functionalised organolithium intermediate I, which by reaction with different electrophiles [H₂O, D₂O, Bu^tCHO, PhCHO, Ph(CH₂)₂CHO, Me₂CO, Et₂CO, (CH₂)₅CO, (CH₂)₇CO] at the same temperature, followed by hydrolysis, gives the expected functionalised thiols 2. Cyclisation of some thiols 2 under acidic conditions leads to the corresponding seven-membered dibenzo heterocycles 5. In the case of thianthrene 1c, after addition of a carbonyl compound as the first electrophile [MeCHO, Bu^tCHO, Me₂CO, Et₂CO, (CH₂)₅CO], the corresponding intermediate II can be lithiated again and react with a second electrophile. Diols 3 are obtained after hydrolysis when a carbonyl compound [Bu^tCHO, PhCHO, Ph(CH₂)₂CHO, Me₂CO, Et₂CO, (CH₂)₅CO] is used as the second electrophile. Acidic cyclisation of diols 3 gives substituted phthalans 6 in almost quantitative yields. Finally, in the case of using carbon dioxide as the second electrophile, phthalides 4 are obtained after acidic hydrolysis.     

Palladium(II) complexes containing a bulky pyridinyl N-heterocyclic carbene ligand: Preparation and reactivity

Coordination chemistry of a pyridine imidazole-2-ylidene ligand (pyN ˆC) with sterically hindered substituents toward palladium(II) metal ions has been investigated. The palladium carbene complex [(C-pyN ˆC)Pd(η³-allyl)Cl] (3) is prepared via the transmetallation from the corresponding silver carbene complexes with [ClPd(η³-allyl)]₂. Upon the abstraction of chloride, coordination of pyridinyl-nitrogen becomes feasible to form [C,N-(pyN ˆC)Pd(η³-allyl)](BF₄) (4). Ligand substitution reaction of 4 with triphenylphosphine results in the formation of [(C-pyN ˆC)Pd(PPh₃)(η³-allyl)](BF₄)], which the pyridinyl-nitrogen donor is substituted by the phosphine. This palladium complex appears to be base sensitive. Treatment of 4 with t-butoxide causes the decomposition to yield the metal nano-particles. Furthermore, de-complexation of 4 takes place under hydrogen atmosphere to generate the carbene precursor, 1-(6-mesityl-2-picolyl)-3-mesitylimidazolium salt. Nevertheless, the palladium complex 4 shows good catalytic activity on the Suzuki-Miyaura and Mizoroki-Heck reactions.     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic behaviour of ansa-zirconocene complexes containing tetraphenylcyclopentadienyl rings: X-ray crystal structures of [Zr{Me2Si(η-C5Ph4)(η-C5H3R)}Cl2] (R = H, Bu)

The ansa-bis(cyclopentadiene) compounds, Me₂Si(C₅HPh₄)(C₅H₄R) (R = H (2); Bu^t (3)), have been prepared by the reaction of C₅HPh₄(SiMe₂Cl) (1) with Na(C₅H₅) or Li(C₅H₄Bu^t), respectively, and transformed to the di-lithium derivatives, Li₂{Me₂Si(C₅Ph₄)(C₅H₃R)} (R = H (4); Bu^t (5)), by the action of n-butyllithium. The ansa-zirconocene complexes, [Zr{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅Ph₄)(η⁵-C₅H₃R)}Cl₂] (R = H (6); Bu^t (7)), were synthesized from the reaction of ZrCl₄ with 4 or 5, respectively. Compounds 6 and 7 have been tested in the polymerization of ethylene and compared with their methyl-substituted analogues, [Zr{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₃R)}Cl₂] (R = H (8); Bu^t (9)). Whilst 8 and 9 are catalytically active, the tetraphenyl-substituted complexes 6 and 7 proved to be inactive in the polymerization of ethylene. This phenomenon has been explained by DFT calculations based on the reaction intermediates in the polymerization processes involving 6 and 7, which showed that the extraction of a methyl group from the zirconocene complex to form the cationic active specie is endothermic and therefore unfavourable.