Homolysis of the Ln-N bond: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of organolanthanide(II) complexes with 2-pyridylmethyl and 3-pyridylmethyl-functionalized indenyl ligands

Two series of new organolanthanide(II) complexes with general formula {η⁵:η¹-[1-R-3-(2-C₅H₄NCH₂)C₉H₅]}₂Ln(II) (R = H-, Ln = Yb (3), Eu (4); R = Me₃Si-, Ln = Yb (5), Eu (6)), and {η⁵:η¹-[1-R-3-(3-C₅H₄NCH₂)C₉H₅]}₂Ln(II) (R = H-, Ln = Yb (9), Eu (10); R = Me₃Si-, Ln = Yb (11), Eu (12)) were synthesized by silylamine elimination with one-electron reductive reactions of lanthanide(III) amides [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) with 2 equiv. 1-R-3-(2-C₅H₄NCH₂)C₉H₆ (R = H (1), Me₃Si- (2)) or 1-R-3-(3-C₅H₄NCH₂)C₉H₆ (R = H (7), Me₃Si- (8)) in good yields. All the complexes were fully characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods. Complexes 3 and 5 were additionally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The catalytic activities of the complexes for MMA polymerization were examined. It was found that complexes with 3-pyridylmethyl substituent on the indenyl ligands could function as single-component MMA polymerization catalysts with good activities, while the complexes with 2-pyridylmethyl substituent on the indenyl ligands cannot catalyze MMA polymerization. The temperatures and solvents effect on the MMA polymerization have also been examined.     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of organolanthanide(II) complexes with heterocyclic-functionalized fluorenyl ligands

Two series of new organolanthanide(II) complexes with tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl- or N-piperidineethyl-functionalized fluorenyl ligands were synthesized via one-electron reductive elimination reaction. Treatments of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ with 2 equiv. of C₅H₉OCH₂C₁₃H₉ (1) or C₅H₁₀NCH₂CH₂C₁₃H₉ (2), respectively, in toluene at about 80 °C produced, after workup, the corresponding organolanthanide(II) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹-C₅H₉OCH₂C₁₃H₈]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (3), Ln = Eu (4)) and [η⁵:η¹-C₅H₁₀NCH₂CH₂C₁₃H₈]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (5), Ln = Eu (6)) in good yields. All the compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes 3, 4, and 6 were additionally determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. It represents the first example of solvent-free organolanthanide(II) complexes with fluorenyl ligands. The catalytic properties of the organolanthanide(II) complexes on the polymerization of ε-caprolactone and methyl methacrylate have been studied. The temperatures, solvents and coordination effects on the catalytic activities of the complexes were examined.     

Homolysis of the Ln-N bond: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of organolanthanide(II) complexes with furfuryl- and tetrahydrofurfuryl-functionalized indenyl ligands

A series of new organolanthanide(II) complexes with furfuryl- and tetrahydrofurfuryl-functionalized indenyl ligands were synthesized via one-electron reductive elimination reaction. Treatments of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) with 2 equiv. of C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₇ (1) or C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₇ (2), respectively in toluene at moderate high temperatures produced, after workup, the corresponding organolanthanide(II) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₆)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (5), Ln = Eu (6)) and [η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₆)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (7), Ln = Eu (8)) in reasonable to good yields. Treatments of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) with 2 equiv. of C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₆SiMe₃ (3) or C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₆SiMe₃ (4), respectively, in toluene at moderate high temperatures afforded, after workup, the corresponding organolanthanide(II) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₇OCH₂C₉H₅SiMe₃)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (9), Ln = Eu (10)) and[η⁵:η¹-(C₄H₃OCH₂C₉H₅SiMe₃)]₂Ln^II (Ln = Yb (11), Ln = Eu (12)) in good to high yields. All the compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The structure of complex 9 was additionally determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. Studies on the catalytic activities of complexes showed that the complexes having silyl group functionalized indenyl ligands have high catalytic activities on ε-caprolactone polymerization. The temperatures, substituted groups on the indenyl ligands of the complexes, and solvents effects on the catalytic activities of the complexes were examined.     

o-Phenylene-bridged Cp/amido titanium and zirconium complexes and their polymerization reactivity

o-Phenylene-bridged trimethylcyclopentadienyl/amido titanium complexes [(η⁵-2,3,5-Me₃C₅H)C₆H₄NR-κN]TiCl₂ (18, R = CH₃; 19, R = CH₂CH₃; 20, R = CH₂C(CH₃)₃; 21, R = CH₂(C₆H₁₁)) and zirconium complexes {[(η⁵-2,3,5-Me₃C₅H)C₆H₄NR-κN]ZrCl-μCl}₂ (22, R = CH₃; 23, R = CH₂CH₃; 24, R = CH₂C(CH₃)₃; 25, R = CH₂(C₆H₁₁); 26, R = C₆H₁₁; 27, R = CH(CH₂CH₃)₂) are prepared via a key step of the Suzuki-coupling reaction between 2-dihydroxyboryl-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (2) and the corresponding bromoaniline compounds. The molecular structures of titanium complexes 18 and 19 and dinuclear zirconium complexes 24 and 26 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The Cp(centroid)-Ti-N and Cp(centroid)-Zr-N angles are smaller, respectively, than those observed for the Me₂Si-bridged complex [Me₂Si(η⁵-Me₄C₅)(N^tBu)]TiCl₂ and its Zr-analogue, indicating that the o-phenylene-bridged complexes are more constrained than the Me₂Si-bridged complex. Titanium complex 19 exhibits comparable activity and comonomer incorporation to the CGC ([Me₂Si(η⁵-Me₄C₅)(N^tBu)]TiCl₂) in ethylene/1-octene copolymerization. Complex 19 produces a higher molecular-weight polymer than CGC.     

New alkenyl-substituted group 4 C-ansa-metallocene complexes. Reactivity of the substituent at the carbon ansa bridge

The allyl-substituted group 4 metal complexes [M{(R)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti, R = CH₂CHCH₂, (2); R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂ (3); M = Zr, R = CH₂CHCH₂ (4), R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂ (5)] have been synthesized by the reaction of allyl ansa-magnesocene derivatives and the tetrachloride salts of the corresponding transition metal. The dialkyl complexes ] [M = Ti, R = CH₂=CHCH₂, R′ = Me (6), R′ = CH₂Ph (7); R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂, R′ = Me (8), R′ = CH₂Ph (9); M = Zr, R = CH₂CHCH₂, R′ = Me (10), R′ = CH₂Ph (11); R = CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂, R′ = Me (12), R′ = CH₂Ph (13)] have been synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding ansa-metallocene dichloride complexes 2-5 and two molar equivalents of the alkyl Grignard reagent. Compounds 2-5 reacted with H₂ under catalytic conditions (Wilkinson’s catalyst or Pd/C) to give the hydrogenation products [M{(R)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti and R = CH₂CH₂CH₃ (14) or R = CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ (15); M = Zr and R = CH₂CH₂CH₃ (16) or R = CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ (17)]. The reactivity of 2-5 has also been tested in hydroboration and hydrosilylation reactions. The hydroboration reactions of 3, 4 and 5 with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) yielded the complexes [M{(9-BBN)CH₂CH(R)CH₂CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti and R = H (18); M = Zr and R = H (19) or R = CH₃ (20)]. The reaction with the silane reagents HSiMe₂Cl gave the corresponding [M{ClMe₂SiCH₂CHRCH₂CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] [M = Ti and R = H (21); M = Zr and R = H (22) or R = CH₃ (23)]. The reaction of 22 with t-BuMe₂SiOH produced a new complex [Zr{t-BuMe₂SiOSi(Me₂)CH₂CH₂CH₂CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] (24) through the formation of Si-O-Si bonds. On the other hand, reactivity studies of some zirconocene complexes were carried out, with the insertion reaction of phenyl isocyanate (PhNCO) into the zirconium-carbon σ-bond of [Zr{(n-Bu)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}₂Me₂] (25) giving [{(n-Bu)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)]}Zr{Me{κ²-O,N-OC(Me)NPh}] as a mixture of two isomers 26a-b. The reaction of [Zr{(n-Bu)(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}(CH₂Ph)₂] (27) with CO also provided a mixture of two isomers [{(n-Bu)CH(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)]}Zr(CH₂Ph){κ²-O,C-COCH₂Ph}] 28a-b. The molecular structures of 4, 11, 16 and 17 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Arene ruthenium β-diketonato triazolato derivatives: Synthesis and spectral studies (β-diketones: 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl pyrazol-5-one, acetylacetone derivatives)

Mononuclear neutral arene ruthenium(II) β-diketonato complexes of the general formula (η⁶-arene)Ru(LL)Cl [LL = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl pyrazol-5-one (L1), arene = C₆H₆ (1), p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me (2), C₆Me₆ (3); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = 1-benzoylacetone (L3) (8); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = dibenzoylmethane (L4) (9)] have been synthesized and their subsequent substitution reactions with NaN₃ in alcohol at room temperature yielded the corresponding neutral terminal azido complexes (η⁶-arene)Ru(LL)N₃ [LL = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl pyrazol-5-one (L1), arene = C₆H₆ (4), p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me (6), C₆Me₆ (7); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = dibenzoylmethane (L4) (10)] as well as a cationic complex [(η⁶-p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me)Ru(L4) (PPh₃)]BF₄ (12) with PPh₃. The [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of selective azido complexes with the activated alkynes dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylates produced the arene triazolato complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(LL){N₃C₂(CO₂R)₂}] [arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = L1, R = Me (13); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L1, R = Me (14); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = acetyl acetone (L2), R = Me (15); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L3, R = Me (16); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = L1, R = Et (17); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L1, R = Et (18); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L2, R = Et (19); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L3, R = Et (20)]. With fumaronitrile the reaction yielded the triazoles [(η⁶-arene)Ru(LL)(N₃C₂HCN)] [arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = L1 (21), arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L1 (22), arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L2 (23), arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L3 (24)]. In the above triazolato complexes only N(2) isomer was obtained. The complexes were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data. Crystal structure of representatives complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Olefin-aminocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes: Synthesis of new bridging aminoallylidene complexes

The bridging aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 1a; Xyl, 1b; 4-C₆H₄OMe, 1c; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆ H₃) react with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate, in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³- C_α(N(Me)(R))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = CN, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = CN, 3b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CN, 3c; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CO₂Me, 3e). Likewise, 1a reacts with styrene or diethyl maleate, under the same reaction conditions, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = H, R″ = C₆H₅, 3f; R′ = R″ = CO₂Et, 3g). The corresponding reactions of [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1d) with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate afford the complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)(CH₂Ph))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = CN, 3h; CO₂Me, 3i), respectively.The coupling reaction of olefin with the carbyne carbon is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs selectively between the less substituted alkene carbon and the aminocarbyne, and the C_β-H, C_γ-H hydrogen atoms are mutually trans.The reactions with acrylonitrile, leading to 3a-c and 3h involve, as intermediate species, the nitrile complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NC-CHCH₂)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Me, 4a; M = Fe, R = Xyl, 4b; M = Fe, R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 4c; M = Ru, R = CH₂C₆H₅, 4d).Compounds 3a, 3d and 3f undergo methylation (by CH₃SO₃CF₃) and protonation (by HSO₃CF₃) at the nitrogen atom, leading to the formation of the cationic complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)₃)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 5a; R = CO₂Me, 5b; R = C₆H₅, 5c) and [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(H)(Me)₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 6a; R = CO₂Me, 6b; R = C₆H₅, 6c), respectively.Complex 3a, adds the fragment [Fe(CO)₂(THF)(Cp)]⁺, through the nitrile functionality of the bridging ligand, leading to the formation of the complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CNFe(CO)₂Cp)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (9).In an analogous reaction, 3a and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], in the presence of Me₃NO, are assembled to give the tetrameric species [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CN[Fe₂{μ- CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂])}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 10a; R = Xyl, 10b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 10c).The molecular structures of 3a and 3b have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

C-C bond formation through olefin-thiocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes

The bridging diiron thiocarbyne complex [Fe₂{μ-CS(Me)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1) reacts with activated olefins (methyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, styrene, diethyl maleate), in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(SMe)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)} (μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R″ = CO₂Me, R′ = H, 3a; R″ = CN, R′ = H, 3b; R″ = C₆H₅, R′ = H, 3c; R″ = R′ = CO₂Et, 3d). The coupling reaction of olefin with thiocarbyne is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs between the less substituted alkene carbon and the thiocarbyne. Moreover, olefinic hydrogens of the bridging ligands are mutually trans.The reactions of 3a-b with MeSO₃CF₃ result, selectively, in the formation of the cationic μ-sulphonium allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(SMe₂)C_β (H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CO₂Me, 4a; R = CN, 4b). Compound 4a undergoes displacement of the SMe₂ group by nucleophiles such as NaBH₄, NBu₄CN and NaOMe, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(R)C_β (H)C_γ(H)(CO₂Me)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = H, 5a; R = CN, 5b; R = OMe, 5c), respectively. The molecular structures of 3a and 5a have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Steric and electronic effects in stabilizing allyl-palladium complexes of “P-N-P” ligands, X2PN(Me)PX2 (X = OC6H5 or OC6H3Me2-2,6)

The chemistry of η³-allyl palladium complexes of the diphosphazane ligands, X₂PN(Me)PX₂ [X = OC₆H₅ (1) or OC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (2)] has been investigated.The reactions of the phenoxy derivative, (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂ with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = H or Me; R′ = H, R″ = Me) give exclusively the palladium dimer, [Pd₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}₂Cl₂] (3); however, the analogous reaction with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = Ph) gives the palladium dimer and the allyl palladium complex [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(1)](PF₆) (R′ = R″ = Ph) (4). On the other hand, the 2,6-dimethylphenoxy substituted derivative 2 reacts with (allyl) palladium chloro dimers to give stable allyl palladium complexes, [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) [R′ = R″ = H (5), Me (7) or Ph (8); R′ = H, R″ = Me (6)].Detailed NMR studies reveal that the complexes 6 and 7 exist as a mixture of isomers in solution; the relatively less favourable isomer, anti-[Pd(η³-1-Me-C₃H₄)(2)](PF₆) (6b) and syn/anti-[Pd(η³-1,3-Me₂-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) (7b) are present to the extent of 25% and 40%, respectively. This result can be explained on the basis of the steric congestion around the donor phosphorus atoms in 2. The structures of four complexes (4, 5, 7a and 8) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; only one isomer is observed in the solid state in each case.     

Insertion reaction of elemental sulfur into the Ln–C bond: Synthesis and characterization of [(C5H4SiMe2Bu)2Ln(μ-SR)]2 (R = Me,Ln = Yb,Er, Dy,Y; R = Bu,Ln = Yb,Dy)

Treatment of (C₅H₄SiMe₂^tBu)₂LnR with 1 equiv of elemental sulfur in toluene at ambient temperature gives dimeric complexes [(C₅H₄SiMe₂^tBu)₂Ln(μ-SR)]₂ [R = Me, Ln = Yb (1), Er (2), Dy (3), Y (4); R = ⁿBu, Ln = Yb (5), Dy (6)]. All these complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and mass spectroscopies. The structures of complexes 1, 3, 5 and 6 are also determined through X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis, indicating that only one sulfur atom from elemental sulfur inserts into Ln–C σ-bond.     

New diruthenium vinyliminium complexes from the insertion of alkynes into bridging aminocarbynes

Primary alkynes R′CCH [R′ = Me₃Si, Tol, CH₂OH, CO₂Me, (CH₂)₄CCH, Me] insert into the metal-carbon bond of diruthenium μ-aminocarbynes [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (Xyl), 1a; CH₂Ph (Bz), 1b; Me, 1c] to give the vinyliminium complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)CHCN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = Xyl, R′ = Me₃Si, 2a; R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, 2b; R = Me, R′ = Me₃Si, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, 3a; R = Bz, R′ = Tol, 3b; R = Bz, R′ = CH₂OH, 4; R = Bz, R′ = CO₂Me, 5a; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 5b; R = Xyl, R′ = (CH₂)₄CCH, 6; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 7a; R = Bz, R′ = Me, 7b; R = Me, R′ = Me, 7c]. The related compound [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C[C(Me)CH₂]CHCN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], (9) is better prepared by reacting [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cl)(Cp)₂] (8) with AgSO₃CF₃ in the presence of HCCC(Me)CH₂ in CH₂Cl₂ at low temperature.In a similar way, also secondary alkynes can be inserted to give the new complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Bz, R′ = CO₂Me, 11; R = Xyl, R′ = Et, 12a; R = Bz, R′ = Et, 12b; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 13). The reactions of 2-7, 9, 11-13 with hydrides (i.e., NaBH₄, NaH) have been also studied, affording μ-vinylalkylidene complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R″)C(H)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 14a; R = Me, R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 14b; R = Bz, R′ = Tol, R″ = H, 15; R = Bz, R′ = R″ = Et, 16), bis-alkylidene complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(R′)C(H)(R″)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 17; R′ = R″ = Et, 18), acetylide compounds [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(CCR′)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, 19; R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, 20; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 21) or the tetranuclear species [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(Me)CCN(Me)(Bz)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂]₂ (23) depending on the properties of the hydride and the substituents on the complex. Chromatography of 21 on alumina results in its conversion into [Ru₂{μ-η³:η¹-C[N(Me)(Xyl)]C(H)CCH₂}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (22). The crystal structures of 2a[CF₃SO₃] · 0.5CH₂Cl₂, 12a[CF₃SO₃] and 22 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis of neutral and cationic monocyclopentadienyl alkyl niobium and tantalum complexes

Compound [NbCp′Me₄] (Cp′ = η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃, 1) reacted with several ROH compounds (R = tBu, SiiPr₃, 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) to give the derivatives [NbCp′Me₃(OR)] (R = tBu 2a, SiiPr₃2b, 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃2c). The diaryloxo tantalum compound [TaCp^∗Me₂(OR)₂] (Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅Me₅, R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃3) was obtained by reaction of [TaCp^∗Cl₂Me₂] with 2 equiv of LiOR (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃). Abstraction of one methyl group from these neutral compounds 1-3 with the Lewis acids E(C₆F₅)₃ (E = B, Al) gave the ionic derivatives [NbCp′Me₂X][MeE(C₆F₅)₃] (X = Me 4-E. X = OR; R = SiiPr₃5b-E, 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃5c-E. E = B, Al) and [TaCp^∗Me(OR)₂][MeE(C₆F₅)₃] (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃6-E; E = B, Al). Polymerization of MMA with the aryloxoniobium compound 2c and Al(C₆F₅)₃ gave syndiotactic PMMA in a low yield, whereas the tetramethylniobium compound 1 and the diaryloxotantalum derivative 3 were inactive.     

Reactivity studies of (η-arene)ruthenium dimeric complexes towards pyrazoles: isolation of amidines, bis pyrazoles and chloro bridged pyrazole complexes

The complex [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂1 reacts with pyrazole ligands (3a-g) in acetonitrile to afford the amidine derivatives of the type [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(L)(3,5-HRR′pz)](BF4)₂ (4a-f), where L = {HNC(Me)3,5-RR′pz}; R, R′ = H (4a); H, CH₃ (4b); C₆H₅ (4c); CH₃, C₆H₅ (4d) OCH₃ (4e); and OC₂H₅ (4f), respectively. The ligand L is generated in situ through the condensation of 3,5-HRR′pz with acetonitrile under the influence of [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl₂]₂. The complex [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂2 reacts with pyrazole ligands in acetonitrile to yield bis-pyrazole derivatives such as [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru (3,5-HRR′pz)₂Cl](BF₄) (5a-b), where R, R′ = H (5a); H, CH₃ (5b), as well as dimeric complexes of pyrazole substituted chloro bridged derivatives [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl) (3,5-HRR′pz)}₂](BF₄)₂ (5c-g), where R, R′ = CH₃ (5c); C₆H₅ (5d); CH₃, C₆H₅ (5e); OCH₃ (5f); and OC₂H₅ (5g), respectively. These complexes were characterized by FT-IR and FT-NMR spectroscopy as well as analytical data. The molecular structures¹ of representative complexes [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru{3(5)-Hmpz}₂Cl]⁺5b, [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)(3,5-Hdmpz)]₂²⁺5c and [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl){3(5)Me,5(3)Ph-Hpz}]₂²⁺5e were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

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.     

Syntheses and characterization of η-cyclopentadienyl and η-indenyl ruthenium(II) complexes of arylazoimidazoles: The molecular structure of the complex [(η-C5H5)Ru(PPh3)(C6H5-NN-C3H3N2)]

The complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl] (1) reacts with several arylazoimidazole (RaaiR′) ligands, viz., 2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Phai-H), 1-methyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Phai-Me), 1-ethyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Phai-Et), 2-(tolylazo)imidazole (Tai-H), 1-methyl-2-(tolylazo)imidazole (Tai-Me) and 1-ethyl-2-(tolylazo)imidazole (Tai-Et), gave complexes of the type [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)(RaaiR′)]⁺ {where R, R′ = H (2), R = H, R′ = CH₃ (3), R = H, R′ = C₂H₅ (4), R = CH₃, R′ = H (5), R, R′ = CH₃ (6), R = CH₃, R′ = C₂H₅ (7)}. The complex [(η⁵-C₉H₇)Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)]⁺ (8) undergoes reactions with a series of N,N-donor azo ligands in methanol yielding complexes of the type [(η⁵-C₉H₇) Ru(PPh₃)(RaaiR′)]⁺ {where R, R′ = H (9), R = H, R′ = CH₃ (10), R = CH₃, R′ = H (11), R = CH₃, R′ = C₂H₅ (12)}, respectively. These complexes were characterized by FT IR and FT NMR spectroscopy as well as by analytical data. The molecular structure of the complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)(C₆H₅-NN-C₃H₃N₂)]⁺ (2) was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction study.     

Synthesis and structures of o-phenylene-bridged Cp/phosphinoamide titanium complexes

Addition of R′₂PCl to anilines substituted with di- or trimethylcyclopentadienyl unit at ortho-position affords ortho-phenylene-bridged Me₂Cp or Me₃Cp/phosophinoamide ligands, 2-(RMe₂C₅H₂)C₆H₄NHPR′₂ (R = Me or H; R′ = Ph, iPr, or Cyclohexyl). Successive addition of Ti(NMe₂)₄ and Me₂SiCl₂ to the ligands affords the desired dichlorotitanium complexes, [2-(η⁵-RMe₂C₅H)C₆H₄NPR′ ₂− κ²N,P]TiCl₂ (R = H, R′ = Ph, 9; R = Me, R′ = Ph, 10; R = H, R′ = iPr, 11; R = Me, R′ = iPr, 12; R = H, R′ = Cy, 13; R = Me, R′ = Cy, 14). By using Zr(NMe₂)₄ instead of Ti(NMe₂)₄, a zirconium complex, [2-(η⁵-Me₃C₅H)C₆H₄NP(iPr)₂−κ²N,P]ZrCl₂ (15) is prepared. Molecular structures of 10, 14 and [2-(η⁵-Me₂C₅H₂)C₆H₄NPPh₂− κN]Ti(NMe₂)₂ (16) were determined. The metric parameters determined on the X-ray crystallographic studies and the chemical shifts of the ³¹P NMR signal indicate that the phosphorous atom coordinates to the titanium in the dichloro-complexes 9-15. The titanium and zirconium complexes show negligible activity in ethylene and ethylene/1-hexene (co)polymerization when activated with MAO or iBu₃Al/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄].     

Substituted lithiumtrimethylsiloxysilanides LiSiRR′(OSiMe3) - Investigations of their synthesis, stability and reactivity

The reactions of the trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes (Me₃SiO)RR′SiCl (1a-h: R′ = Ph, 1a: R = H, 1b: R = Me, 1c: R = Et, 1d: R = ⁱPr, 1e: R = ^tBu, 1f: R = Ph, 1g: R = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes), 1h: R = 2,4,6-(Me₂CH)₃C₆H₂ (Tip); 1i: R = R′ = Mes) with lithium metal in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C and in a mixture of THF/diethyl ether/n-pentane in a volume ratio 4:1:1 at −110 °C lead to mixtures of numerous compounds. Dependent on the substituents silyllithium derivatives (Me₃SiO)RR′SiLi (2b-i), Me₃SiO(RR′Si)₂Li (3a-g), Me₃SiRR′SiLi (4a-h), (LiO)RR′SiLi (12e, 12g-i), trisiloxanes (Me₃SiO)₂SiRR′ (5a-i) and trimethylsiloxydisilanes (6f^∗, 6h^∗, 6i^∗) are formed. All silyllithium compounds were trapped with Me₃SiCl or HMe₂SiCl resulting in the following products: (Me₃SiO)RR′SiSiMe₂R″ (6b-i: R″ = Me, 7c-i: R″ = H), Me₃SiO(RR′Si)₂SiMe₂R″ (8a-g: R″ = Me, 9a-g: R″ = H), Me₃SiRR′SiSiMe₂R″ (10a-h: R″ = Me, 11a-h: R″ = H) and (HMe₂SiO)RR′SiSiMe₂H (13e, 13g-i). The stability of trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums 2 depends on the substituents and on the temperature. (Me₃SiO)Mes₂SiLi (2i) is the most stable compound due to the high steric shielding of the silicon centre. The trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums 2a-g undergo partially self-condensation to afford the corresponding trimethylsiloxydisilanyllithiums Me₃SiO(RR′Si)₂Li (3a-g). (Me₃)Si-O bond cleavage was observed for 2e and 2g-i. The relatively stable trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums 2f, 2g and 2i react with n-butyllithium under nucleophilic butylation to give the n-butyl-substituted silyllithiums ⁿBuRR′SiLi (15g, 15f, 15i), which were trapped with Me₃SiCl. By reaction of 2g and 2i with 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene the corresponding 1,1-diarylsilacyclopentenes 17g and 17i are obtained.X-ray studies of 17g revealed a folded silacyclopentene ring with the silicon atom located 0.5 Å above the mean plane formed by the four carbon ring atoms.     

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.     

Organolanthanides with 3-(2-pyridylmethyl) indenyl ligands: synthesis, crystal structures and catalytic activities of divalent complexes for ε-caprolactone polymerization

Reaction of 3-(2-pyridylmethyl)indenyl lithium (1) with LnI₂(THF)₂ (Ln = Sm, Yb) in THF produced the divalent organolanthanides (C₅H₄NCH₂C₉H₆)₂Ln^II(THF) (Ln = Sm (2), Yb (3)) in high yield. 1 reacts with LnCl₃ (Ln = Nd, Sm, Yb) in THF to give bis(3-(2-pyridylmethyl)indenyl) lanthanide chlorides (C₅H₄NCH₂C₉H₆)₂Ln^IIICl (Ln = Nd (4), Sm (5)) and the unexpected divalent lanthanides 3 (Ln = Yb). Complexes 2-5 show more stable in air than the non-functionalized analogues. X-ray structural analyses of 2-4 were performed. 2 and 3 belong to the high symmetrical space group (Cmcm) with the same structures, they are THF-solvated 9-coordinate monomeric in the solid state, while 4 is an unsolvated 9-coordinate monomer with a trans arrangement of both the sidearms and indenyl rings in the solid state. Additionally, 2 and 3 show moderate polymerization activities for ε-caprolactone (CL).