Unique sigma-bond metathesis of silylalkynes promoted by an ansa-dimethylsilyl and oxo-bridged uranium metallocene

The tetrachloride salt of uranium reacts with 1 equiv of the lithium ligand Li2(C5Me4)2SiMe2] in DME to form the complex eta5-(C5Me4)2SiMe2]UCl2.2LiCl.2DME (1), which undergoes a rapid hydrolysis in toluene to yield the dimeric bridged monochloride, monooxide complex {eta5-(C5Me4)2SiMe2]UCl}2(mu-O)(mu-Cl)*Li*1/2DME]2 (2). Metathesis of 2 with BuLi in DME gives the mono-bridged dibutyl complex {eta5-(C5Me4)2SiMe2]UBu}2(mu-O) (3). Complex 2 was characterized by solid-state X-ray analysis. Complex 3 was found to be an active catalyst for the disproportionation metathesis of TMSCCH (TMS = SiMe3) and the cross-metathesis of TMSCCH or TMSCCTMS with various terminal alkynes. The metathesis of TMSCCH gives TMSCCTMS and HCCH, whereas the cross-metathesis of TMSCCH or TMSCCTMS with terminal alkynes (RCCH) yields TMSCCTMS, TMSCCR, and HCCH. In addition, TMSCCCH3 also was found to react with tBuCCH, yielding TMSCCBut and CH3CCH. A plausible mechanism for the catalytic process is presented.