Biaryl-bridged Schiff base complexes of zirconium alkyls: synthesis structure and stability

Three substituted salicylaldimine derivatives H₂L^1-3 of 2,2′-diamino-6,6′-dimethylbiphenyl give, under appropriate conditions, isolable alkyls of zirconium [ZrL^1-3R₂] (R=CH₂Ph, CH₂Bu^t). Two molecular structures confirm their cis-α geometry (C₂-symmetric with cis alkyl ligands). They decompose via 1,2-migratory insertion of an alkyl group to imine, followed in some instances by a second similar reaction. The dimeric molecular structure of one such doubly-inserted product is presented. The kinetics of decomposition by this process are studied briefly, and it is noted that the rate increases with increased steric demand of the salicylaldimine unit.