Cationic Allyl Complexes of the Rare‐Earth Metals: Synthesis,Structural Characterization,and 1,3‐Butadiene Polymerization Catalysis

Monocationic bis‐allyl complexes [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)₃]⁺[B(C₆X₅)₄]^? (Ln=Y, La, Nd; X=H, F) and dicationic mono‐allyl complexes of yttrium and the early lanthanides [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)(thf)₆]²⁺[BPh₄]₂^? (Ln=La, Nd) were prepared by protonolysis of the tris‐allyl complexes [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₃(diox)] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; diox=1,4‐dioxane) isolated as a 1,4‐dioxane‐bridged dimer (Ln=Ce) or THF adducts [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₃(thf)₂] (Ln=Ce, Pr). Allyl abstraction from the neutral tris‐allyl complex by a Lewis acid, ER₃ (Al(CH₂SiMe₃)₃, BPh₃) gave the ion pair [Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)₃]⁺[ER₃(η¹‐CH₂CH?CH₂)]^? (Ln=Y, La; ER₃=Al(CH₂SiMe₃)₃, BPh₃). Benzophenone inserts into the La? C_allyl bond of [La(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)₃]⁺[BPh₄]^? to form the alkoxy complex [La{OCPh₂(CH₂CH?CH₂)}₂(thf)₃]⁺[BPh₄]^?. The monocationic half‐sandwich complexes [Ln(η⁵‐C₅Me₄SiMe₃)(η³‐C₃H₅)(thf)₂]⁺[B(C₆X₅)₄]^? (Ln=Y, La; X=H, F) were synthesized from the neutral precursors [Ln(η⁵‐C₅Me₄SiMe₃)(η³‐C₃H₅)₂(thf)] by protonolysis. For 1,3‐butadiene polymerization catalysis, the yttrium‐based systems were more active than the corresponding lanthanum or neodymium homologues, giving polybutadiene with approximately 90 % 1,4‐cis stereoselectivity.     

Synthesis and Characterization of donor‐functionalized ansa‐Cyclopentadienyl‐Indenyl and ansa‐Indenyl‐Indenyl Complexes of Yttrium,Samarium, Thulium,and Lutetium

The stepwise reaction of Me₂SiCl₂ with K[C₅H₃ ^tBuMe‐3] or Li[C₉H₇] and then with K[C₉H₆CH₂CH₂‐ NMe₂‐1] followed by double deprotonation with NaH or LiBu, yields the two dimethylsilicon bridged cyclopentadienyl‐indenyl and indenyl‐indenyl donor‐functionalized ligand systems K₂[(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)] ( 1 ), and Li₂[(1‐C₉H₆)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)] ( 2 ), respectively. Treatment of 1 with YCl₃(THF)₃, SmCl₃(THF)_1.77, TmI₃(DME)₃, and LuCl₃(THF)₃ gives the mixed ansa‐metallocenes [(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]LnX (X = Cl, Ln = Y ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Lu ( 5 ); X = I, Ln = Tm ( 6 )), respectively. The reaction of 2 with LuCl₃(THF)₃ yields [(1‐C₉H₆)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]LuCl ( 7 ). Compound 4 reacts with LiMe to give the corresponding alkyl derivative [(C₅H₂ ^tBu‐3‐Me‐5)SiMe₂(1‐C₉H₅CH₂CH₂NMe₂‐3)]Sm(CH₃) ( 8 ). The new complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, MS spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

Synthese und Charakterisierung donor-funktionalisierter ansa-Metallocene von Yttrium,Neodym, Samarium,Erbium und Lutetium

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 133 Synthesis and Characterization of donor-functionalised ansa -Metallocenes of Yttrium, Neodymium, Samarium, Erbium, and Lutetium The reaction of Me₂SiCl₂ with K[C₅H₄^tBu], Li[C₅H₄SiMe₃] or K[C₅H₃^tBuMe-3] followed by treatment with K[C₅H₄CH₂CH₂NMe₂] yields mixed substituted dicyclopentadienyldimethylsilanes which after double deprotonation with KH afford the dipotassium salts K₂[Me₂Si(C₅H₃^tBu-3)(C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)] ( 1 ), K₂[Me₂Si · (C₅H₃SiMe₃-3)(C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)] ( 2 ), and K₂[Me₂Si · (C₅H₂^tBu-3-Me-5)(C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)] ( 3 ), respectively. The reaction of 1 , 2 , or 3 with LnCl₃(THF)_x (Ln = Y, La, Nd, Sm, Er, Lu) leads to the complexes [Me₂Si(C₅H₃^tBu-3) · (C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)]LnCl [Ln = Y ( 4 a ), Sm ( 4 c ), Lu ( 4 e )], [Me₂Si(C₅H₃SiMe₃-3)(C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)]LnCl [Ln = Y ( 5 a ), Sm ( 5 c ), Lu ( 5 e )], and [Me₂Si(C₅H₂^tBu-3-Me-5)(C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)]LnCl [Ln = Y ( 6 a ), Nd ( 6 b ), Sm ( 6 c ), Er ( 6 d ), Lu ( 6 e )], respectively. Alkylation of 4 a , 4 c , 5 a , and 6 b , 6 e with LiCH₃, LiCH₂SiMe₃, and LiCH(SiMe₃)₂ produces the alkylmetallocenes [Me₂Si(C₅H₃^tBu-3) · (C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)]LnR [R = CH₃, Ln = Y ( 7 a ), Sm ( 7 c ); R = CH₂SiMe₃, Ln = Y ( 8 a )], [Me₂Si(C₅H₃SiMe₃-3) · (C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)]YCH₃ ( 9 a ), and [Me₂Si(C₅H₂^tBu3-Me-5)(C₅H₃CH₂CH₂NMe₂-3)]LnR (R = CH₃, Ln = Lu ( 10 e ); R = CH₂SiMe₃, Ln = Lu ( 11 e ); R = CH(SiMe₃)₂, Ln = Nd ( 12 b ), Lu ( 12 e )], respectively. All new compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The molecular structure of 6 c and 6 e was determined by single crystal X-ray structure analysis.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Syndio‐Specific Styrene Polymerization of Pyrrolyl‐Substituted Cyclopentadienyl Scandium Complexes

Acid‐base reaction of Sc(CH₂C₆H₄NMe₂‐o)₃ with 1 equiv. of pyrrolyl‐substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand C₄H₂Me₂NSiMe₂C₅Me₄H in toluene gave the half‐sandwich scandium bis(aminobenzyl) complex (C₄H₂Me₂NSiMe₂C₅Me₄)Sc(CH₂C₆H₄NMe₂‐o)₂ ( 2 ). Amine elimination between Sc[N(SiHMe₂)₂]₃(THF) and one equivalent of C₄H₂Me₂NSiMe₂C₅Me₄H afforded the scandium bis(silylamide) complex (C₄Me₂H₂NSiMe₂C₅Me₄)Sc[(NSiHMe₂)₂SiMe₂](THF) ( 3 ). Both scandium complexes 2 and 3 were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. 2 and 3 could serve as highly active precursors for styrene polymerization to give syndio‐tactic polystyrene (rrrrrr > 99 %).     

Gemischte Sandwichkomplexe der 4 f‐Elemente: Enantiomerenreine Cyclooctatetraenyl‐Cyclopentadienyl‐Komplexe des Samariums und Lutetiums mit donorfunktionalisierten Cyclopentadienylliganden

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 139 Mixed Sandwich Complexes of the 4 f Elements: Enantiomerically Pure Cyclooctatetraenyl Cyclopentadienyl Complexes of Samarium and Lutetium with Donor‐Functionalized Cyclopentadienyl Ligands The reactions of [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)OMe}], [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)NMe₂}] and [K{(S)‐C₅H₄CH(Ph)CH₂NMe₂}] with the cyclooctatetraenyl lanthanide chlorides [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln(μ‐Cl)(THF)]₂ (Ln = Sm, Lu) yield the mixed cyclooctatetraenyl cyclopentadienyl lanthanide complexes [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Sm{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)OMe}] ( 1 a ), [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH(Me)NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 2 a ), Lu ( 2 b )) and [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{(S)‐η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH(Ph)CH₂NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 3 a ), Lu ( 3 b )). For comparison, the achiral compounds [(η⁸‐C₈H₈)Ln{η⁵ : η¹‐C₅H₄CH₂CH₂NMe₂}] (Ln = Sm ( 4 a ), Lu ( 4 b )) are synthesized in an analogous manner. ¹H‐, ¹³C‐NMR‐, and mass spectra of all new compounds as well as the X‐ray crystal structures of 3 b and 4 b are discussed.     

Synthesis and Structures of ansa‐Titanocene Complexes with Diatomic Bridging Units for Overall Water Splitting

The synthesis of a series of ansa‐titanocene dichlorides [Cp′₂TiCl₂] (Cp′=bridged η⁵‐tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) and the corresponding titanocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes [Cp′₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] is described. The ethanediyl‐bridged complexes [C₂H₄(C₅Me₄)₂TiCl₂] ( 2 ‐Cl₂) and [C₂H₄(C₅Me₄)₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] ( 2‐ btmsa; btmsa=η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃) can be obtained from the hitherto unknown calcocenophane complex [C₂H₄(C₅Me₄)₂Ca(THF)₂] ( 1 ). Furthermore, a heterodiatomic bridging unit containing both, a dimethylsilyl and a methylene group was introduced to yield the ansa‐titanocene dichloride [Me₂SiCH₂(C₅Me₄)₂TiCl₂] ( 3 ‐Cl₂) and the bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex [Me₂SiCH₂(C₅Me₄)₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] ( 3 ‐btmsa). Besides, tetramethyldisilyl‐ and dimethylsilyl‐bridged metallocene complexes (structural motif 4 and 5 , respectively) were prepared. All ansa‐titanocene alkyne complexes were reacted with stoichiometric amounts of water; the hydrolysis products were isolated as model complexes for the investigation of the elemental steps of overall water splitting. Compounds 1 , 2 ‐btmsa, 2 ‐(OH)₂, 3 ‐Cl₂, 3 ‐btmsa, 4 ‐(OH)₂, 3 ‐alkenyl and 5 ‐alkenyl were characterised by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität von Tris‐, Bis‐ und Mono(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl)‐Komplexen des Neodyms,Lanthans und des Yttriums

The tris(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl) complexes [Ln(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₃] (Ln = Nd, La, Y) are obtained analytically pure by reaction of the tribromides LnBr₃·nTHF with the potassium compound K(Me₂C₅H₅)(thf)_n in THF in good yields. The structural characterization is carried out by X‐ray crystal structure analysis and NMR‐spectroscopically. The tris complexes can be transformed into the dimeric bis(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl) complexes [Ln₂(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₄X₂] (Ln, X: Nd, Cl, Br, I; La, Br, I; Y, Br) by reaction with the trihalides THF solvates in the molar ratio 2:1 in toluene. Structure and bonding conditions are determined for selected compounds by X‐ray crystal structure analysis and NMR‐spectroscopically in general. The dimer‐monomer equilibrium existing in solution was investigated NMR‐spectroscopically in dependence of the donor strength of the solvent and could be established also by preparation of the corresponding monomer neutral ligand complexes [Ln(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₂X(L)] (Ln, X, L: Nd, Br, py; La, Cl, thf; Br, py; Y, Br, thf). Finally the possibilities for preparation of mono(2,4‐dimethylpentadienyl)lanthanoid(III)‐dibromid complexes are shown and the hexameric structure of the lanthanum complex [La₆(η⁵‐Me₂C₅H₅)₆Br₁₂(thf)₄] is proved by X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

N‐Functionalized Ferrocenes: Subvalent Group XIV Element Chlorides and tert‐Butyllithium‐Induced C−C Bond Cleavage under Mild Conditions

The ferrocene derivative (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArNCH)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} ( 1 ; Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)) reacts diastereoselectively with LiR by carbolithiation and subsequent hydrolysis to give (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArHNCHR)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} ( 3 : R=tBu; 4 : R=Ph; 5 : R=Me) in high yields. For R=tBu, the organolithium derivative (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArLiNCHR)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} ( 2 ) was isolated. Compound 2 reacts with GeCl₂?dioxane and SnCl₂ to give the metallylene amide chlorides (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArMNCHtBu)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} 6 (M=GeCl) and 7 (M=SnCl), respectively, which each contain three stereogenic centers. The potential of 7 as a ligand in transition‐metal chemistry is demonstrated by formation of its complex (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArMNCHtBu)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)} [ 9 , M= Sn(Cl)W(CO)₅]. Treatment of 3 with tert‐butyllithium at room temperature causes an unprecedented carbon–carbon bond cleavage whereas under kinetic control, lithiation at the Cp‐3 position takes place, which leads to the isolation of (η⁵‐Cp)Fe{η⁵‐C₅H₃‐1‐(ArHNCHtBu)‐2‐(CH₂NMe₂)‐3‐SiMe₃} ( 10 ).     

CH Bond Activation during and after the Reactions of a Metallacyclic Amide with Silanes: Formation of a μ‐Alkylidene Hydride Complex,Its H–D Exchange,and β‐H Abstraction by a Hydride Ligand

Metallacyclic complex [(Me₂N)₃Ta(η²‐CH₂SiMe₂NSiMe₃)] ( 3 ) undergoes C?H activation in its reaction with H₃SiPh to afford a Ta/μ‐alkylidene/hydride complex, [(Me₂N)₂{(Me₃Si)₂N}Ta(μ‐H)₂(μ‐C‐η²‐CHSiMe₂NSiMe₃)Ta(NMe₂)₂] ( 4 ). Deuterium‐labeling studies with [D₃]SiPh show H–D exchange between the Ta?D ?Ta unit and all methyl groups in [(Me₂N)₂{(Me₃Si)₂N}Ta(μ‐D)₂(μ‐C‐η²‐CHSiMe₂NSiMe₃)Ta(NMe₂)₂] ([D₂]‐ 4 ) to give the partially deuterated complex [D_n]‐ 4 . In addition, 4 undergoes β‐H abstraction between a hydride and an NMe₂ ligand and forms a new complex [(Me₂N){(Me₃Si)₂N}Ta(μ‐H)(μ‐N‐η²‐C,N‐CH₂NMe)(μ‐C‐η²‐C,N‐CHSiMe₂NSiMe₃)Ta(NMe₂)₂] ( 5 ) with a cyclometalated, η²‐imine ligand. These results indicate that there are two simultaneous processes in [D_n]‐ 4 : 1) H–D exchange through σ‐bond metathesis, and 2) H?D elimination through β‐H abstraction (to give [D_n]‐ 5 ). Both 4 and 5 have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

An unusual organoyttrium alkyl complex containing a [C5HMe3(η(3)-CH2)-C5H4N-κ]- ligand and an elusive cyclopentadienide-based scandium tuck-over zwitterion obtained by C-H bond activation

The acid–base reaction between Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂ and the pyridyl‐functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand C₅Me₄H? C₅H₄N (1 equiv) at 0 °C afforded a mixture of two products: (η⁵:κ‐C₅Me₄? C₅H₄N)Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(thf) ( 1 a ) and (η⁵:κ‐C₅Me₄? C₅H₄N)₂YCH₂SiMe₃ ( 1 b ), in a 5:2 ratio. Addition of the same ligand (2 equiv) to Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂, however, generated 1 b together with the novel complex 1 c , the first well defined yttrium mono(alkyl) complex (η⁵:κ‐C₅Me₄? C₅H₄N)[C₅HMe₃(η³‐CH₂)‐C₅H₄N‐κ]Y(CH₂SiMe₃) containing a rare κ/η³‐allylic coordination mode in which the C? H bond activation occurs unexpectedly with the allylic methyl group rather than conventionally on Cp ring. If the central metal was changed to lutetium, the equimolar reaction between Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂ and C₅Me₄H? C₅H₄N exclusively afforded the bis(alkyl) product (η⁵:κ‐C₅Me₄? C₅H₄N)Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(thf) ( 2 a ). Similarly, the reaction between the ligand (2 equiv) and Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂ gave the mono(alkyl) complex (η⁵:κ‐C₅Me₄? C₅H₄N)₂LuCH₂SiMe₃ ( 2 b ), in which no ligand redistribution was observed. Strikingly, treatment of Sc(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂ with C₅Me₄H? C₅H₄N in either 1:1 or 1:2 ratio at 0 °C generated the first cyclopentadienide‐based scandium zwitterionic “tuck‐over” complex 3 , (η⁵:κ‐C₅Me₄? C₅H₄N)Sc(thf)[μ‐η⁵:η¹:κ‐C₅Me₃(CH₂)‐C₅H₄N]Sc(CH₂SiMe₃)₃. In the zwitterion, the dianionic ligand [C₅Me₃(CH₂)‐C₅H₄N]^2? binds both to Sc1³⁺ and to Sc2³⁺, in η⁵ and η¹/κ modes. In addition, the reaction chemistry, the molecular structures, and the mechanism are also discussed in detail.     

Bimetallic Rare Earth Alkyl Complexes Bearing Bridged Amidinate Ligands: Synthesis and Activity for L-Lactide Polymerization

Four novel bridged‐amidines H₂L {1,4‐R¹[C(=NR²)(NHR²)]₂ [R¹=C₆H₄, R²=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃ (H₂L¹); R¹=C₆H₄, R²=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ (H₂L²); R¹=C₆H₁₀, R²=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃ (H₂L³); R¹=C₆H₁₀, R²=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ (H₂L⁴)]} were synthesized in 65%–78% isolated yields by the condensation reaction of dicarboxylic acid with four equimolar amounts of amines in the presence of PPSE at 180°C. Alkane elimination reaction of Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ (Ln=Y, Lu) with 0.5 equiv. of amidine in THF at room temperature afforded the corresponding bimetallic rare earth alkyl complexes (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂LnL¹Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) [Ln=Y ( 1 ), Lu ( 2 )], (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂LnL²Ln‐ (CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) [Ln=Y ( 3 ), Lu ( 4 )], (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂YL³Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) ( 5 ), (THF)(Me₃SiCH₂)₂YL⁴‐ Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) ( 6 ) in 72% –80% isolated yields. These neutral complexes showed activity towards L‐lactide polymerization in toluene at 70°C to give high molecular weight (M>10⁴) and narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n≦1.40) polymers     

Structural Variations and Molecular Dynamics of Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes with the N,N‐Bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylaminato Ligand

The reaction of the donor‐functionalised N,N‐bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylamine and [LnCp₃] (Cp=cyclopentadiene) resulted in the formation of bis(cyclopentadienyl) hydroxylaminato rare‐earth metal complexes of the general constitution [Ln(C₅H₅)₂{ON(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)₂}] (Py= pyridyl) with Ln=Lu ( 1 ), Y ( 2 ), Ho ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Nd ( 5 ), Pr ( 6 ), La ( 7 ). These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy (for compounds 1 , 2 , 4 and 7 ) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. The complexes exhibit three different aggregation modes and binding motifs in the solid state. The late rare‐earth metal atoms (Lu, Y, Ho and Sm) form monomeric complexes of the formula [Ln(C₅H₅)₂{η²‐ON(C₂H₄‐η¹‐o‐Py)(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)}] ( 1 – 4 , respectively), in which one of the pyridyl nitrogen donor atoms is bonded to the metal atom in addition to the side‐on coordinating hydroxylaminato unit. The larger Nd³⁺ and Pr³⁺ ions in 5 and 6 make the hydroxylaminato unit capable of dimerising through the oxygen atoms. This leads to the dimeric complexes [(Ln(C₅H₅)₂{μ‐η¹:η²‐ON(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)₂})₂] without metal–pyridine bonds. Compound 7 exhibits a dimeric coordination mode similar to the complexes 5 and 6 , but, in addition, two pyridyl functions coordinate to the lanthanum atoms leading to the [(La(C₅H₅)₂{ON(C₂H₄‐o‐Py)}{μ‐η¹:η²‐ON(C₂H₄‐η¹‐o‐Py)})₂] complex. The aggregation trend is directly related to the size of the metal ions. The complexes with coordinative pyridine–metal bonds show highly dynamic behaviour in solution. The two pyridine nitrogen atoms rapidly change their coordination to the metal atom at ambient temperature. Variable‐temperature (VT) NMR experiments showed that this dynamic exchange can be frozen on the NMR timescale.     

Rare-earth metal allyl and hydrido complexes supported by an (NNNN)-type macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, structure, and reactivity toward biomass-derived furanics

The preparation and characterization of a series of neutral rare‐earth metal complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) supported by the 1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane anion (Me₃TACD^?) are reported. Upon treatment of the neutral allyl complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] with Brønsted acids, monocationic allyl complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)(η³‐C₃H₅)(thf)₂][B(C₆X₅)₄] (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, X=H, F) were isolated and characterized. Hydrogenolysis gave the hydride complexes [Ln(Me₃TACD)H₂]_n (Ln=Y, n=3; La, n=4; Sm). X‐ray crystallography showed the lanthanum hydride to be tetranuclear. Reactivity studies of [Ln(Me₃TACD)R₂]_n (R=η³‐C₃H₅, n=0; R=H, n=3,4) towards furan derivatives includes hydrosilylation and deoxygenation under ring‐opening conditions.     

1,3-Diene Polymerization Promoted by Half-Sandwich Rare-Earth-Metal Dimethyl Complexes: Active Species Clustering and Cationization/Deactivation Processes

When activated with fluorinated borate cocatalysts the trimetallic complexes [Cp*LnMe₂]₃ (Ln=Y, Lu; Cp*=C₅Me₅) promote efficiently the formation of high-cis polybutadiene. Respective polyisoprenes instead bear much less pronounced microstructures, but reveal crosslinked products at lower polymerization temperatures. Varying the amount of cocatalyst, the emerging active species were examined by NMR spectroscopic techniques (incl. ¹H DOSY). The occurrence of donor-solvent and thermally induced degradation products of the highly reactive precatalyst [Cp*YMe₂]₃ and derived catalyst species was revealed by the elucidation of methylidene clusters [Cp*₃Y₃Me₄(CH₂)(thf)₂] and [Cp*₆Y₆Me₄(CH₂)₄], as well as [(Cp*Y)₂Me₂(N(Me)₂(C₆H₄)]_n[B(C₆F₅)₄]_n, implying a multimetallic active species.     

Reactivity of Yttrium Carboxylates Toward Alkylaluminum Hydrides

Yttrocene‐carboxylate complex [Cp*₂Y(OOCAr^Me)] (Cp*=C₅Me₅, Ar^Me=C₆H₂Me₃‐2,4,6) was synthesized as a spectroscopically versatile model system for investigating the reactivity of alkylaluminum hydrides towards rare‐earth‐metal carboxylates. Equimolar reactions with bis‐neosilylaluminum hydride and dimethylaluminum hydride gave adduct complexes of the general formula [Cp*₂Y(μ‐OOCAr^Me)(μ‐H)AlR₂] (R=CH₂SiMe₃, Me). The use of an excess of the respective aluminum hydride led to the formation of product mixtures, from which the yttrium‐aluminum‐hydride complex [{Cp*₂Y(μ‐H)AlMe₂(μ‐H)AlMe₂(μ‐CH₃)}₂] could be isolated, which features a 12‐membered‐ring structure. The adduct complexes [Cp*₂Y(μ‐OOCAr^Me)(μ‐H)AlR₂] display identical ¹J(Y,H) coupling constants of 24.5 Hz for the bridging hydrido ligands and similar ⁸⁹Y NMR shifts of δ=?88.1 ppm (R=CH₂SiMe₃) and δ=?86.3 ppm (R=Me) in the ⁸⁹Y DEPT45 NMR experiments.     

Alternating copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide catalyzed by noncyclopentadienyl rare‐earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes

The syntheses of several dialkyl complexes based on rare‐earth metal were described. Three β‐diimine compounds with varying N‐aryl substituents (HL¹=(2‐CH₃O(C₆H₄))N?C(CH₃)CH?C(CH₃)NH(2‐CH₃O(C₆H₄)), HL² = (2,4,6‐(CH₃)₃ (C₆H₂))N?C(CH₃)CH?C(CH₃)NH(2,4,6‐(CH₃)₃(C₆H₂)), HL³ = PhN?C(CH₃)CH(CH₃) NHPh) were treated with Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ to give dialkyl complexes L¹Ln (CH₂SiMe₃)₂ (Ln = Y ( 1a ), Lu ( 1b ), Sc ( 1c )), L²Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) (Ln = Y ( 2a ), Lu ( 2b )), and L³Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) (3). All these complexes were applied to the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and carbon dioxide as single‐component catalysts. Systematic investigation revealed that the central metal with larger radii and less steric bulkiness were beneficial for the copolymerization of CHO and CO₂. Thus, methoxy‐modified β‐diiminato yttrium bis(alkyl) complex 1a , L¹Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂, was identified as the optimal catalyst, which converted CHO and CO₂ to polycarbonate with a TOF of 47.4 h^?1 in 1,4‐dioxane under a 15 bar of CO₂ atmosphere (T_p=130 °C), representing the highest catalytic activity achieved by rare‐earth metal catalyst. The resultant copolymer contained high carbonate linkages (>99%) with molar mass up to 1.9 × 10⁴ as well as narrow molar mass distribution (M_w/M_n = 1.7). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6810–6818, 2008     

Structural Analysis of Zincocenes with Substituted Cyclopentadienyl Rings

New zincocenes [ZnCp′₂] ( 2 – 5 ) with substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands C₅Me₄H, C₅Me₄tBu, C₅Me₄SiMe₂tBu and C₅Me₄SiMe₃, respectively, have been prepared by the reaction of ZnCl₂ with the appropriate Cp′‐transfer reagent. For a comparative structural study, the known [Zn(C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂] ( 1 ), has also been investigated, along with the mixed‐ring zincocenes [Zn(C₅Me₅)(C₅Me₄SiMe₃)] ( 6 ) and [Zn(C₅Me₅)(C₅H₄SiMe₃)] ( 7 ), the last two obtained by conproportionation of [Zn(C₅Me₅)₂] with 5 or 1 , as appropriate. All new compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy, and by X‐ray methods, with the exception of 7 , which yields a side‐product ( C ) upon attempted crystallisation. Compounds 5 and 6 were also investigated by ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy. Zincocenes 1 and 2 have infinite chain structures with bridging Cp′ ligands, while 3 and 4 exhibit slipped‐sandwich geometries. Compounds 5 and 6 have rigid, η⁵/η¹(σ) structures, in which the monohapto C₅Me₄SiMe₃ ligand is bound to zinc through the silyl‐bearing carbon atom, forming a Zn? C bond of comparable strength to the Zn? Me bond in ZnMe₂. Zincocene 5 has dynamic behaviour in solution, but a rigid η⁵/η¹(σ) structure in the solid state, as revealed by ¹³C CPMAS NMR studies, whereas for 6 the different nature of the Cp′ ligands and of the ring substituents of the η¹‐Cp′ group (Me and SiMe₃) have permitted observation for the first time of the rigid η⁵/η¹ solution structure. Iminoacyl compounds of composition [Zn(η⁵‐C₅Me₄R)(η¹‐C(NXyl)C₅Me₄R)] resulting from the reactions of some of the above zincocenes and CNXyl (Xyl=2,6‐dimethylphenylisocyanide) have also been obtained and characterised.     

Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität von η3‐1,2‐Diphosphaallylkomplexen sowie von [{(η5‐C5H5)(CO)2W–Co(CO)3}{μ‐AsCH(SiMe3)2}(μ‐CO)]

Syntheses, Structure and Reactivity of η³‐1,2‐Diphosphaallyl Complexes and [{(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂W–Co(CO)₃}{μ‐AsCH(SiMe₃)₂}(μ‐CO)] Reaction of ClP=C(SiMe₂iPr)₂ ( 3 ) with Na[Mo(CO)₃(η⁵‐C₅H₅)] afforded the phosphavinylidene complex [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂Mo=P=C(SiMe₂iPr)₂] ( 4 ) which in situ was converted into the η¹‐1,2‐diphosphaallyl complex [η⁵‐(C₅H₅)(CO)₂Mo{η³‐tBuPPC(SiMe₂iPr)₂] ( 6 ) by treatment with the phosphaalkene tBuP=C(NMe₂)₂. The chloroarsanyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₃M–As(Cl)CH(SiMe₃)₂] [where M = Mo ( 9 ); M = W ( 10 )] resulted from the reaction of Na[M(CO)₃(η⁵‐C₅H₅)] (M = Mo, W) with Cl₂AsCH(SiMe₃)₂. The tungsten derivative 10 and Na[Co(CO)₄] underwent reaction to give the dinuclear μ‐arsinidene complex [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂W–Co(CO)₃{μ‐AsCH(SiMe₃)₂}(μ‐CO)] ( 11 ). Treatment of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂Mo{η³‐tBuPPC(SiMe₃)₂}] ( 1 ) with an equimolar amount of ethereal HBF₄ gave rise to a 85/15 mixture of the saline complexes [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(CO)₂Mo{η²‐tBu(H)P–P(F)CH(SiMe₃)₂}]BF₄ ( 18 ) and [Cp(CO)₂Mo{F₂PCH(SiMe₃)₂}(tBuPH₂)]BF₄ ( 19 ) by HF‐addition to the PC bond of the η³‐diphosphaallyl ligand and subsequent protonation ( 18 ) and/or scission of the PP bond by the acid ( 19 ). Consistently 19 was the sole product when 1 was allowed to react with an excess of ethereal HBF₄. The products 6 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 18 and 19 were characterized by means of spectroscopy (IR, ¹H‐, ¹³C{¹H}‐, ³¹P{¹H}‐NMR, MS). Moreover, the molecular structures of 6 , 11 and 18 were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Fluxionality of Strained Hypercoordinate Silicon‐Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanes

The first hypercoordinate sila[1]ferrocenophanes [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 b ) (fc=(η⁵‐C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵‐C₅H₄)) were synthesized by low‐temperature (?78 °C) reactions of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] with the appropriate chlorinated sila[1]ferrocenophanes ([fcSiMeCl] ( 1 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Cl] ( 1 d ), respectively). Single‐crystal Xray diffraction studies revealed pseudo‐trigonal bipyramidal structures for both 5 a and 5 b , with one of the shortest reported Si???N distances for an sp³‐hybridized nitrogen atom interacting with a tetraorganosilane detected for 5 a (2.776(2) Å). Elongated Si? C_ipso bonds trans to the donating NMe₂ arms (1.919(2) and 1.909(2) Å for 5 a and 5 b , respectively) were observed relative to both the non‐trans bonds ( 5 a : 1.891(2); 5 b : 1.879(2) Å) and the Si? C_ipso bonds of the non‐hypercoordinate analogues ([fcSiMePh] ( 1 b ): 1.879(4), 1.880(4) Å; [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Ph] ( 1 e ): 1.881(2), 1.884(2)). Solution‐state fluxionality of 5 a and 5 b , suggestive of reversible coordination of the NMe₂ group to silicon, was demonstrated by means of variable‐temperature NMR studies. The ΔG^≠ of the fluxional processes for 5 a and 5 b in CD₂Cl₂ were estimated to be 35.0 and 37.6 kJ mol^?1, respectively (35.8 and 38.3 kJ mol^?1 in [D₈]toluene). The quaternization of 5 a and 5 b by MeOTf, to give [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 a‐ OTf) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 b‐ OTf), respectively, supported the reversibility of NMe₂ coordination at the silicon center as the source of fluxionality for 5 a and 5 b . Surprisingly, low room‐temperature stability was detected for 5 b due to its tendency to intramolecularly cyclize and form the spirocyclic [fcSi(cyclo‐CH₂NMe₂CH₂C₆H₄)]Cl ( 9 ‐Cl). This process was observed in both solution and the solid state, and isolation and Xray characterization of 9 ‐Cl was achieved. The model compound, [Fc₂Si(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)₂] ( 8 ), synthesized through reaction of [Fc₂SiCl₂] with two equivalents of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] at ?78 °C, showed a lack of hypercoordination in both the solid state and in solution (down to ?80 °C). This suggests that either the reduced steric hindrance around Si or the unique electronics of the strained sila[1]ferrocenophanes is necessary for hypercoordination to occur.     

Unerwartete Reduktion von [Cp*TaCl4(PH2R)] (R = But,Cy, Ad,Ph, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2; Cp* = C5Me5) durch Reaktion mit DBU – Molekülstruktur von [(DBU)H][Cp*TaCl4] (DBU = 1,8‐Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐en)

Unexpected Reduction of [Cp*TaCl₄(PH₂R)] (R = Bu^t, Cy, Ad, Ph, 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂; Cp* = C₅Me₅) by Reaction with DBU – Molecular Structure of [(DBU)H][Cp*TaCl₄] (DBU = 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene) [Cp*TaCl₄(PH₂R)] (R = Bu^t, Cy, Ad, Ph, 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes); Cp* = C₅Me₅) react with DBU in an internal redox reaction with formation of [(DBU)H][Cp*TaCl₄] ( 1 ) (DBU = 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene) and the corresponding diphosphane (P₂H₂R₂) or decomposition products thereof. 1 was characterised spectroscopically and by crystal structure determination. In the solid state, hydrogen bonding between the (DBU)H cation and one chloro ligand of the anion is observed.