[{Cp(CO)3Mo}4In4(PSiMe3)4], Ein metallorganisch substituiertes In4P4-Heterokuban

[{Cp(CO)₃Mo}₄In₄(PSiMe₃)₄], an Organometallic In₄P₄-Heterocubane [{Cp(CO)₃Mo}InCl₂] reacts with P(SiMe₃)₃ in THF as solvent to form [{Cp(CO)₃Mo}₄In₄(PSiMe₃)₄] 1. 1 crystallizes in the space group P1 . The lattice constants (at 208 K) are: a = 1 770.1(6), b = 1 490.3(6), c = 1 317.5(6) pm, α = 76.59(4),β = 88.54(3), γ = 88.98(3)°. According to the crystal structure analysis, 1 contains a slightly distorted In₄P₄-core with an alternating arrangement of In and P atoms. The In atoms are coordinated roughly tetrahedrally by three PSiMe₃ groups (In–P: 256.9(3)–262.3(3) pm) and a {Cp(CO)₃Mo} substituent (In? Mo: 278.0(2)–279.5(3) pm).     

Synthesis,Structure, Bonding,and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2}2{μ‐η2:η2‐B2H4}] and [{Cp*M(CO)2}2B2H2M(CO)4], M=Mo,W

The reaction of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ‐Cl)₂B₂H₆] ( 1 ) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂{μ‐η²:η²‐B₂H₄}] ( 2 ). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C_s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum–alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂C₂H₂]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO)₄] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂ B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 3 ) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO)₅?thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B₂H₂] with a short B?B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3 , [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 4 ) and [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂Mo(CO)₄] ( 5 ), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2 .     

Synthesis,Structure, Bonding,and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2}2{μ‐η2:η2‐B2H4}] and [{Cp*M(CO)2}2B2H2M(CO)4], M=Mo,W

The reaction of [(Cp*Mo)₂(μ‐Cl)₂B₂H₆] ( 1 ) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂{μ‐η²:η²‐B₂H₄}] ( 2 ). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C_s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum–alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO)₂}₂C₂H₂]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO)₄] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO)₂}₂ B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 3 ) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO)₅⋅thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B₂H₂] with a short B−B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3 , [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂W(CO)₄] ( 4 ) and [{Cp*W(CO)₂}₂B₂H₂Mo(CO)₄] ( 5 ), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2 .     

Neue [{Cp(CO)2Mo}2ESbCl]‐Cluster mit tetraedrischem Mo2SbE‐Gerüst (E = S,Se)

Reaction of [{Cp(CO)₃Mo}₂SbCl] with S₈ or Se₈ leads to the formation of cluster compounds [{Cp(CO)₂Mo}₂ESbCl] (E = S, Se). [{Cp(CO)₂Mo}₂SSbCl] crystallizes monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a = 812.28(3), b = 855.65(4), c = 2441.01(9) pm and β = 90.149(3)°; [{Cp(CO)₂Mo}₂SeSbCl] · CH₂Cl₂ crystallizes triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$ with a = 828.82(9), b = 1002.8(1), c = 1340.0(2) and α = 109.24(1), β = 100.87(1), γ = 96.81(1)°. For both compounds X‐ray crystal structure analysis reveals tetrahedral Mo₂SbE cluster cores with Sb–E bond lengths of 256.8(1) pm (E = S) and 265.3(1) (E = Se). According to the 18 electron rule the [{Cp(CO)₂Mo}₂ESbCl] clusters can be regarded as complexes of the 4 electron donator ESbCl that is coordinated “side‐on” to a {Cp(CO)₂Mo}₂ fragment.     

[{Cp*(CO)2Fe}6Sn6O8]2+, ein kationischer Zinnoxocluster mit metallorganischen Substituenten

[{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}₆Sn₆O₈]²⁺, a Cationic Tin Oxo Cluster with Organometallic Substituents The reaction of [{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}SnCl₃] 1 (Cp^* = Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with Ag₂O in acetone leads to the formation of [{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}₆Sn₆O₈][AgCl₂]₂( 2 ). 2 contains the novel tin oxo cluster cation [{Cp*(CO)₂Fe}₆Sn₆O₈]²⁺ which consists of six {Cp*(CO)₂Fe}Sn‐groups bridged by eight μ₃ oxygen atoms (Sn—O = 209.2(3)‐212.5(3) pm). The resulting Sn₆O₈ cage exhibits a distorted rhombodocahedral structure. The [AgCl₂]^— anion is essentially linear with a Ag—Cl bond length of 250.3(3) pm.     

Molecular Gallium Arsenide Phosphide Clusters Prepared from AsP3, P4, and [{GaC(SiMe3)3}4]

Treatment of AsP₃ with 0.75 equivalents of [{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄] resulted in selective insertion of three equivalents of {GaC(SiMe₃)₃} into the three As? P bonds to give [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃P₃] ( 1 ‐As) with an intact cyclo‐P₃ ring. This yellow compound has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, combustion analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (THF, 0.2 M [TBA][B(C₆F₅)₄]; TBA=tetrabutyl ammonium). Computational models of 1 ‐As and the isomeric [P{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃AsP₂] ( 1 ‐P) have been investigated as well, revealing several interesting electronic features of these cage molecules. Following from the cyclic voltammetry studies of 1 ‐As that highlight an irreversible two‐electron reduction at ?2.2 V versus Fc/Fc⁺, treatment with one equivalent of [Mg(C₁₄H₁₀)(thf)₃] resulted in two‐electron reduction to provide [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₃P₃Mg(thf)₃] ( 2 ), in which the Mg²⁺ ion has inserted into one of the P? P bonds of the cyclo‐P₃ ring. It was also found that treatment of AsP₃ or P₄ with one equivalent of [{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄] resulted in formation of the quadruple insertion products [As{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄P₃] ( 3 ) and [P{GaC(SiMe₃)₃}₄P₃] ( 4 ), respectively.     

Crystallographic report: Tricarbonyl(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(dichloroindium) molybdenum

In the solid state, [{Cp(CO)₃Mo}InCl₂]∞ forms a one‐dimensional coordination polymer in which the indium atoms are coordinated by four chlorine atoms (In? Cl: 2.448(2)–3.004(2) Å) and a {Cp(CO)₃Mo} group (In? Mo: 2.750(1) Å) in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthese und Insertionsreaktionen von Cp2′HfCl{As(SiMe3)2} (Cp′ = C5H4Me)

Synthesis and Insertion Reactions of Cp₂′HfCl{As(SiMe₃)₂} (Cp′ = C₅H₄Me) The reaction of Cp₂′HfCl₂ (Cp′ = C₅H₄Me) with Li(THF)_2,5As(SiMe₃)₂ (1 : 1) at room temperature gives the terminal hafnocene arsenido complex Cp₂′HfCl{As(SiMe₃)₂} ( 1 ) in high yield. 1 inserts CS₂ and PhNC into the Hf? As bond yielding Cp₂′HfCl{η²-S₂CAs(SiMe₃)₂} ( 2 ) and Cp₂′HfCl{η²-N(Ph)CAs(SiMe₃)₂} ( 3 ). The thermally sensitive complexes 1–3 were characterised spectroscopically and crystal structure determinations were carried out on 1 and 3 which shows the η² bonding mode of the N(Ph)CAs(SiMe₃)₂ ligand in the latter.     

Two Different Products Observed in the Reaction of a Bis(germylene) with Molybdenum Hydride [Mo(H)Cp(CO)3]

The reaction of the dimeric bis(germylene) [Ge{3,5‐(CF₃)₂pz}₂]₂ ( 2 ) with protic molybdenum hydride [Mo(H)Cp(CO)₃] yielded two different products. In diethyl ether the divalent germylene readily inserts into the Mo–H σ‐bond and the product of the oxidative addition, [Ge(H){Mo}(pz)₂] ( 4 ) (with pz = 3,5‐disubstituted pyrazole, 3,5‐(CF₃)₂pz; {Mo} = [MoCp(CO)₃]), was isolated featuring a germanium(IV) hydride moiety. In toluene an interesting “cascade” reaction takes place furnishing a bis‐metal substituted digermane [{Mo}(H)(pz)Ge–Ge(pz)₂{Mo}]. Although the detailed mechanism of the reaction remains the subject of speculation it seems likely that a germylene, [Ge^II(pz){Mo}], inserts into the germanium(IV) hydrogen bond of [Ge(H){Mo}(pz)₂] under formation of a germanium‐germanium bond, which is a rare reaction behaviour.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural characterization of the first mixed fluoro-bromo group 4 organometallic complex [{Cp*ZrF2Br}4] (Cp* = C5Me5)

[{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] is conveniently prepared in high yield from the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with four equivalents of Me₃SiBr. In contrast the reaction of [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄] with Me₃SiI under identical reaction conditions leads to a mixture of [Cp*ZrI₃] and unreacted [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄]. The crystal structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system [a = 9.325(1), b = 23.483(3), c = 27.016(5) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, space group Ibam, Z = 4]. The tetrameric core structure of [{Cp*ZrF₂Br}₄] contains four zirconium atoms linked by alternating single and triple fluorine bridges. One terminal bromine atom is bonded to each zirconium. ¹H and ¹⁹FNMR spectroscopic data and structural features of the title compound are compared with those for the mixed fluoro-chloro complexes [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₄], [{Cp*ZrF₂Cl}₂{Cp*ZrFCl₂}₂] and the trifluoro complex [{Cp*ZrF₃}₄].     

The Instability of Ni{N(SiMe3)2}2: A Fifty Year Old Transition Metal Silylamide Mystery

The characterization of the unstable Ni^II bis(silylamide) Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ( 1 ), its THF complex Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(THF) ( 2 ), and the stable bis(pyridine) derivative trans‐Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(py)₂ ( 3 ), is described. Both 1 and 2 decompose at ca. 25 °C to a tetrameric Ni^I species, [Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}]₄ ( 4 ), also obtainable from LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and NiCl₂(DME). Experimental and computational data indicate that the instability of 1 is likely due to ease of reduction of Ni^II to Ni^I and the stabilization of 4 through dispersion forces.     

Reactivity of transition metal-phosphorus triple bonds towards triply bonded [{CpMo(CO)2}2]: formation of heteronuclear cluster compounds

Thermolysis of [Cp*P{W(CO)5}2] (1) in the presence of [{CpMo(CO)2}2] leads to the novel complexes [{(CO)2Cp*W}{CpMo(CO)2}(micro,eta2:eta1:eta1-P2{W(CO)5}2)] (6; Cp=eta5-C5H5, Cp*=eta5-C5Me5), [{(micro-O)(CpMoWCp*)W(CO)4}{micro3-PW(CO)5}2] (7), [{CpMo(CO)2}2{Cp*W(CO)2}{micro3-PW(CO)5}] (8) and [{CpMo(CO)2}2{Cp*W(CO)2}(micro3-P)] (9). The structural framework of the main products 8 and 9 can be described as a tetrahedral Mo2WP unit that is formed by a cyclisation reaction of [{CpMo(CO)2}2] with an [Cp*(CO)2W[triple chemical bond]P-->W(CO)5] intermediate containing a W--P triple bond and subsequent metal-metal and metal-phosphorus bond formation. Photolysis of 1 in the presence of [{CpMo(CO)2}2] gives 8, 9 and phosphinidene complex [(micro3-PW(CO)5){CpMo(CO)2W(CO)5}] (10), in which the P atom is in a nearly trigonal-planar coordination environment formed by one {CpMo(CO)2} and two {W(CO)5} units. Comprehensive structural and spectroscopic data are given for the products. The reaction pathways are discussed for both activation procedures, and DFT calculations reveal the structures with minimum energy along the stepwise Cp* migration process under formation of the intermediate [Cp*(CO)2W[triple chemical bond]P-->W(CO)5].     

Oxidative Reactions of the MoIV Dialkyl Complex [{(3‐CF3C6H4NCH2CH2)2NMe}Mo(CH2SiMe3)2]

The structure of [(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] (in which (CF₃N₂NMe)^2? is [(3‐CF₃C₆H₄NCH₂CH₂)₂NMe]^2?) is approximately trigonal bipyramidal with one axial and one equatorial alkyl ligand. Heating of solutions of [(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] in [D₆]benzene in the presence of five equivalents of 2‐butyne led to diamagnetic [(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CHSiMe₃)(η²‐MeC?CMe)], whose structure is approximately square pyramidal with the alkyne occupying the axial site. Addition of one equivalent of cyclohexene sulfide to [(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] at room temperature produced the diamagnetic, dimeric molybdenum(IV) sulfido complex, [{(CF₃N₂NMe)MoS}₂]. This complex is composed of two approximately trigonal bipyramidal centers, each containing one axial and one equatorial sulfur atom. Oxidation of [(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] with hexachloroethane resulted in formation of tetramethylsilane, HCl, and the sparingly soluble, red alkylidyne complex, [{(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CSiMe₃)Cl}₂]. This complex forms a dimer through bridging chlorides. The oxidation reactions of [(CF₃N₂NMe)Mo(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] with 2‐butyne, cyclohexene sulfide, or C₂Cl₆ are all proposed to proceed by α‐hydrogen abstraction in the Mo^VI species to yield (initially) the Mo?CHSiMe₃ species and tetramethylsilane.     

Two‐Coordinate Iron(I) Complex [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]−: Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Activity

First‐row two‐coordinate complexes are attracting much interest. Herein, we report the high‐yield isolation of the linear two‐coordinate iron(I) complex salt [K(L)][Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (L=18‐crown‐6 or crypt‐222) through the reduction of either [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] or its three‐coordinate phosphine adduct [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(PCy₃)]. Detailed characterization is gained through X‐ray diffraction, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility studies. One‐ and two‐electron oxidation through reaction with I₂ is further found to afford the corresponding iodo iron(II) and diiodo iron(III) complexes.     

Two‐Coordinate Iron(I) Complex [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]−: Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Activity

First‐row two‐coordinate complexes are attracting much interest. Herein, we report the high‐yield isolation of the linear two‐coordinate iron(I) complex salt [K(L)][Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (L=18‐crown‐6 or crypt‐222) through the reduction of either [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] or its three‐coordinate phosphine adduct [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(PCy₃)]. Detailed characterization is gained through X‐ray diffraction, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility studies. One‐ and two‐electron oxidation through reaction with I₂ is further found to afford the corresponding iodo iron(II) and diiodo iron(III) complexes.     

Untersuchungen zur Darstellung von [CpxSb{M(CO)5}2] (Cpx = Cp,Cp*; M = Cr,W)

Investigations of the Synthesis of [Cp^xSb{M(CO)₅}₂] (Cp^x = Cp, Cp*; M = Cr, W) The reaction of CpSbCl₂ with [Na₂{Cr₂(CO)₁₀}] leads to the chlorostibinidene complex [ClSb{Cr(CO)₅}₂(thf)] ( 1 ), whereas the reaction of CpSbCl₂ with [Na₂{W₂(CO)₁₀}] results in the formation of the complexes [ClSb{W(CO)₅}₃] ( 2 ), [Na(thf)][Cl₂Sb{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 3 ), [ClSb{W(CO)₅}₂(thf)] ( 4 ) and [Sb₂{W(CO)₅}₃] ( 5 ). The stibinidene complex [CpSb{Cr(CO)₅}₂] ( 6 ) is obtained by the reaction of [ClSb{Cr(CO)₅}₂] with NaCp, while its Cp* analogue [Cp*Sb{Cr(CO)₅}₂] ( 7 ) is formed via the metathesis of Cp*SbCl₂ with [Na₂{Cr₂(CO)₁₀}]. The products 2 , 3 , 4 and 7 are additionally characterised by X‐ray structure analyses.     

[Al7{N(SiMe3)2}6]−: A First Step towards Aluminum Metal Formation by Disproportionation

A “naked” aluminum atom links two aluminum tetrahedra in the [Al₇{N(SiMe₃)₂}₆]⁻ ion (see picture), which results from the reaction of a metastable AlCl solution with LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and crystallizes with [Li(OEt₂)₃]⁺ as cation. This unique structure among molecular metal atom clusters represents a small but characteristic section of cubic close-packed aluminum.     

Komplexchemie P‐reicher Phosphane und Silylphosphane. XXII. Die Bildung von [η2‐{tBu–P=P–SiMe3}Pt(PR3)2]aus (Me3Si)tBuP–P=P(Me)tBu2 und [η2‐{C2H4}Pt(PR3)2]

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes. XXII. The Formation of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PR₃)₂] from (Me₃Si)^tBuP–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ and [η²‐{C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] (Me₃Si)^tBuP–P = P(Me)^tBu₂ reacts with [η²‐{C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] yielding [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PR₃)₂]. However, there is no indication for an isomer which would be the analogue to the well known [η²‐{^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₃)₂]. The syntheses and NMR data of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PPh₃)₂] and [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PMe₃)₂] as well as the results of the single crystal structure determination of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PPh₃)₂] are reported.     

Amidometallate von Seltenerdelementen. Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Na(12-Krone-4)2][M{N(SiMe3)2}3(OSiMe3)] (M = Sm,Yb), [Na(THF)3Sm{N(SiMe3)2}3(C≡C–Ph)], [Na(THF)6][Lu2(μ-NH2)(μ-NSiMe3){N(SiMe3)2}4] sowie von [NaN(SiMe3)2(THF)]2. Anwendungen der Seltenerdkomplexe als Polymerisationskatalysatoren

Amido Metalates of Rare Earth Elements. Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [Na(12-crown-4)₂][M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(OSiMe₃)] (M = Sm, Yb), [Na(THF)₃Sm{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(C≡C–Ph)], [Na(THF)₆][Lu₂(μ-NH₂)(μ-NSiMe₃){N(SiMe₃)₂}₄], and of [NaN(SiMe₃)₂(THF)]₂. Applications of Rare Earth Metal Complexes as Polymerization Catalysts The amido silyloxy complexes [Na(12-crown-4)₂][M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(OSiMe₃)] with M = Sm ( 1 a ), Eu ( 1 b ), Yb ( 1 c ), and Lu ( 1 d ) were obtained from the trisamides M[N(SiMe₃)₃]₃ and NaOSiMe₃ in n-hexane in the presence of 12-crown-4; they form yellow to orange-red crystals, of which 1 a and 1 c were characterized crystallographically. The complexes crystallize isotypically with one another in the monoclinic space group I2/a with eight formula units per unit cell. The metal atoms of the complex anions are tetrahedrally coordinated by the three nitrogen atoms of the N(SiMe₃)₂^– ligands and by the oxygen atom of the OSiMe₃^– ligand. With 172.4° for 1 a and 179.3° for 1 c the bond angles M–O–Si are practically linear. With ethynylbenzene in the presence of NaN(SiMe₃)₂ in tetrahydrofuran the trisamides M[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ react under formation of the complexes [Na(THF)₃M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃ · (C≡C–Ph)] with M = Ce ( 2 a ), Sm ( 2 b ), and Eu ( 2 c ), of which 2 b was characterized crystallographically (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z = 4). 2 b forms an ion pair in which the terminal carbon atom of the C≡C–Ph^– ligand is connected with the samarium atom of the Sm[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ group and the sodium ion is side-on connected with the acetylido group. According to the crystal structure determination (space group P2₁2₁2₁, Z = 4) [Na(THF)₆][Lu₂(μ-NH₂)(μ-NSiMe₃) · {N(SiMe₃)₂}₄] ( 3 ), which is formed as a by-product, consists of [Na(THF)₆]⁺ ions and dimeric anions, in which the lutetium atoms are connected to form a planar Lu₂N₂ four-membered ring via a μ-NH₂ bridge with average Lu–N distances of 227.2 pm and via a μ-NSiMe₃ bridge of average Lu–N distances of 218.5 pm. According to the crystal structure determination (space group P 1, Z = 1) [NaN(SiMe₃)₂(THF)]₂ ( 4 ) forms centrosymmetric dimeric molecules with Na–N distances of the Na₂N₂ four-membered ring of 239.9 pm and distances Na–O of the terminally bonded THF molecules which are 226.7 pm. The vinylic polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) catalyzed by 1 c resulted in high molecular weight polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with moderate yields. The reaction of 1 a or 2 b with MMA did not give PMMA. Insoluble polynorbornene was obtained in low yields by reaction of norbornene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) with 1 a , 1 c , or 2 b . The ring opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolacton or δ-valerolacton catalyzed by 2 b resulted in corresponding polylactones in quantitative yields.     

Phosphido- und arsenido-verbrückte Zweikernkomplexe: Synthese und Struktur von (η5-C5H4R)2Zr{μ-P(SiMe3)2}2M(CO)4 (R = Me,M = Cr; R = H,M = Mo) sowie die Synthese von (η5-C5H5)2Zr{μ-As(SiMe3)2}2Cr(CO)4

Phosphido- and Arsenido-bridged Dinuclear Complexes. Synthesis and Molecular Structure of (η⁵-C₅H₄R)₂Zr{μ-P(SiMe₃)₂}₂M(CO)₄ (R = Me, M = Cr; R = H, M = Mo) and Synthesis of (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Zr{μ-As(SiMe₃)₂}₂Cr(CO)₄ The reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄R)₂Zr{E(SiMe₃)₂}₂ with M(CO)₄(NBD) (NBD = norbornadiene) yields the dinuclear phosphido- or arsenido-bridged complexes (η⁵-C₅H₄R)₂Zr{μ-E(SiMe₃)₂}₂M(CO)₄ (R = Me, E = P, M = Cr ( 1 ); R = H, E = P, M = Mo ( 2 ); R = H, E = As, M = Cr ( 3 )). No formation of dinuclear complexes was observed in the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄Me)₂Zr{P(SiMe₃)₂}₂ with Ni(PEt₃)₄, Ni(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ or with NiCl₂(PPh₃)₂ in the presence of Mg. Complexes 1 – 3 were characterised spectroscopically (i. r., n. m. r., m. s.), and X-ray structure investigations were carried out on 1 and 2 . The central four-membered ZrP₂M ring is slightly puckered (dihedral angle between planes ZrP₂/CrP₂ 14.7°, ZrP₂/MoP₂ 14.2°). The Zr? P bond lengths are equivalent ( 1 : Zr? P1 2.654(4), Zr? P2 2.657(4) Å; 2 : Zr? P1 2.6711(9), Zr? P2 2.6585(7) Å), as are the M? P bond lengths (M = Cr ( 1 ): Cr? P1 2.513(4), Cr? P2 2.502(4) Å; M = Mo ( 2 ): Mo? P1 2.6263(7), Mo? P2 2.6311(10) Å). The long Zr ··· M distances of 3.414 Å (M = Cr ( 1 )) and 3.461 Å (M = Mo ( 2 )) indicate the absence of a metal-metal bond.