β-Diketiminato Rare-Earth Metal Complexes: The Influence of Monoatomic Substituents in the N-aryl Moieties on Structures and Properties

Treatment of β-diketiminate ligands bearing different N-aryl monoatomic substituents [HL^H = (C₆H₅)N = C(Me)CH=C(Me)NH(C₆H₅), HL^F = (2,6-F₂C₆H₃)N=C(Me)CH=C(Me)NH(2,6-F₂C₆H₃), and HL^Cl = (2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N=C(Me)CH=C(Me)NH(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)] with Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ (Ln = Y and Lu) afforded a variety of β-diketiminato rare-earth metal complexes depending on substituents, namely, phenyl ring C–H bond activated complexes (L')(L^H)Lu(THF) ( 1b , L' = (C₆H₄)N = C(Me)CH=C(Me)N(C₆H₅)), six-coordinate homoleptic complexes (L^H)₃Ln [Ln = Y ( 1aa ), Lu ( 1bb )], five-coordinate monoalkyl complexes (L^F)₂Ln(CH₂SiMe₃) [Ln = Y ( 2a ), Lu ( 2b )], and four-coordinate dialkyl complexes (L^Cl)Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ [Ln = Y ( 3a ), Lu ( 3b )]. All these complexes were characterized with NMR spectroscopy, and lutetium complexes 1b , 1bb and 3b were structurally validated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, dialkyl complexes 3 promoted the polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine (2-VP) to produce atactic poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) with quantitative yield. On activation with an equimolar amount of [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄], complexes 3 afforded highly isotactic P2VP with an mm value up to 94 %. Both ¹H NMR spectrum and MALDI-TOF mass analysis of an oligomer indicate that the polymerization was initiated by coordination insertion of 2-VP into the Y-CH₂SiMe₃ bond.     

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     

Isoprene polymerization with indolide‐imine supported rare‐earth metal alkyl and amidinate complexes

Reaction of 7‐{(N‐2,6‐R)iminomethyl)}indole ( HL¹ , R = dimethylphenyl; HL² , R = diisopropylphenyl) and rare‐earth metal tris(alkyl)s, Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂, generated new rare‐earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes LLn(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) [L = L¹: Ln = Lu ( 1a ), Sc ( 1b ); L = L²: Ln = Lu ( 3a ), Sc ( 3b )] and mono(alkyl) complexes L²₂Lu(CH₂SiMe₃) ( 4a ). Treatment of alkyl complexes 1a and 4a with N,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide afforded the corresponding amidinates L¹Lu{iPr₂NC(CH₂SiMe₃)NiPr₂}₂ ( 2a ) and L²₂Lu{iPr₂NC(CH₂SiMe₃)NiPr₂} ( 5a ), respectively. These new rare‐earth metal alkyls and amidinates except 4a in combination with aluminum alkyls and borate generated efficient homogeneous catalysts for the polymerization of isoprene, providing high cis‐1,4 selectivity and high molar mass polyisoprene with narrow molar mass distribution (M_n = 2.65 × 10⁵, M_w/M_n = 1.07, cis‐1,4 98.2%, −60 °C). The environmental hindrance around central metals arising from the bulkiness of the ligands, the Lewis‐acidity of rare‐earth metal ions, the types of aluminum tris(alkyl)s and borate, and polymerization temperature influenced significantly on both the catalytic activity and the regioselectivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5251–5262, 2008     

Rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes bearing amino phosphine ligands: Synthesis and catalytic activity toward ethylene polymerization

Reactions of neutral amino phosphine compounds HL^1-3 with rare earth metal tris(alkyl)s, Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂, afforded a new family of organolanthanide complexes, the molecular structures of which are strongly dependent on the ligand framework. Alkane elimination reactions between 2-(CH₃NH)-C₆H₄P(Ph)₂ (HL¹) and Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ at room temperature for 3 h generated mono(alkyl) complex (L¹)₂Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)(THF) (1). Similarly, treatment of 2-(C₆H₅CH₂NH)-C₆H₄P(Ph)₂ (HL²) with Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ afforded (L²)₂Lu(CH₂SiMe₃)(THF) (2), selectively, which gradually deproportionated to a homoleptic complex (L²)₃Lu (3) at room temperature within a week. Strikingly, under the same condition, 2-(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃NH)-C₆H₄P(Ph)₂ (HL³) swiftly reacted with Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ at room temperature for 3 h to yield the corresponding lanthanide bis(alkyl) complexes L³Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)_n (4a: Ln = Y, n = 2; 4b: Ln = Sc, n = 1; 4c: Ln = Lu, n = 1; 4d: Ln = Yb, n = 1; 4e: Ln = Tm, n = 1) in high yields. All complexes have been well defined and the molecular structures of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4b-e were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The scandium bis(alkyl) complex activated by AlEt₃ and [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄], was able to catalyze the polymerization of ethylene to afford linear polyethylene.     

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.     

Mono(amidinate) rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes: Synthesis,structure and their activity for l-lactide polymerization

Alkane elimination reaction between Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ (Ln = Y, Lu) with one equivalent of the amidines with different steric demanding HL ([CyC(N-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)₂]H (HL₁), [CyC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]H (HL₂), [PhC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]H (HL₃)) in THF afforded a series of mono(amidinate) rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes [CyC(N-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)₂]Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) (Ln = Y (1), Lu (3)), [CyC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)₂ (Ln = Y (4), Lu (6)), and [PhC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)₂ (7) in 75–89% isolated yields. For the early lanthanide metal Nd, THF slurry of NdCl₃ was stirred with three equiv of LiCH₂SiMe₃ in THF, followed by addition of one equiv of the amidines HL₁ or HL₂ gave an “ate” complex [CyC(N-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)₂]Nd(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (2) in 48% yield and a neutral [CyC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Nd(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)₂ (5) in 52% yield, respectively. They were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy (except for 2 and 5 for their strong paramagnetic property). Complexes 2, 3, 4 and 5 were subjected to X-ray single crystal structure determination. These neutral mono(amidinate) rare earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes showed activity towards l-lactide polymerization to give high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution polymers.     

Rare earth metal alkyl complexes bearing N,O,P multidentate ligands: Synthesis, characterization and catalysis on the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide

Alkane elimination reactions of rare earth metal tris(alkyl)s, Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ (Ln = Y, Lu) with the multidentate ligands HL^1-4, afforded a series of new rare earth metal complexes. Yttrium complex 1 supported by flexible amino-imino phenoxide ligand HL¹ was isolated as homoleptic product. In the reaction of rigid phosphino-imino phenoxide ligand HL² with equimolar Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂, HL² was deprotonated by the metal alkyl and its imino CN group was reduced to C-N by intramolecular alkylation, generating THF-solvated mono-alkyl complexes (2a: Ln = Y; 2b: Ln = Lu). The di-ligand chelated yttrium complex 3 without alkyl moiety was isolated when the molar ratio of HL² to Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ increased to 2:1. Reaction of steric phosphino β-ketoiminato ligand HL³ with equimolar Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ afforded di-ligated mono-alkyl complexes (4a: Ln = Y; 4b: Ln = Lu) without occurrence of intramolecular alkylation or formation of homoleptic product. Treatment of tetradentate methoxy-amino phenol HL⁴ with Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ afforded a monomeric yttrium bis-alkyl complex of THF-free. The resultant complexes were characterized by IR, NMR spectrum and X-ray diffraction analyses. All alkyl complexes exhibited high activity toward the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide to give isotactic polylactide with controllable molecular weight and narrow to moderate polydispersity.     

Lutetium‐Methanediide‐Alkyl Complexes: Synthesis and Chemistry

The first four‐coordinate methanediide/alkyl lutetium complex (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐CHSiMe₃)(THF)₂ (BODDI=ArNC(Me)CHCOCHC(Me)NAr, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 ) was synthesized by a thermolysis methodology through α‐H abstraction from a Lu–CH₂SiMe₃ group. Complex 1 reacted with equimolar 2,6‐iPrC₆H₃NH₂ and Ph₂C?O to give the corresponding lutetium bridging imido and oxo complexes (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐N‐2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)(THF)₂ ( 2 ) and (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐O)(THF)₂ ( 3 ). Treatment of 3 with Ph₂C?O (4 equiv) caused a rare insertion of Lu–μ₂‐O bond into the C?O group to afford a diphenylmethyl diolate complex 4 . Reaction of 1 with PhN=C?O (2 equiv) led to the migration of SiMe₃ to the amido nitrogen atom to give complex (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂‐μ‐{PhNC(O)CHC(O)NPh(SiMe₃)‐κ³N,O,O}(THF) ( 5 ). Reaction of 1 with tBuN?C formed an unprecedented product (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃){μ₂‐[η²:η²‐tBuNC(=CH₂)SiMe₂CHC?NtBu‐κ¹N]}(tBuN?C)₂ ( 6 ) through a cascade reaction of N?C bond insertion, sequential cyclometalative γ‐(sp³)‐H activation, C?C bond formation, and rearrangement of the newly formed carbene intermediate. The possible mechanistic pathways between 1 , PhN?C?O, and tBuN?C were elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Ligand Recognition Processes in the Formation of Homochiral C3‐Symmetric LnL3 Complexes of a Chiral Alkoxide

The reaction of a chiral racemic bidentate ligand HL¹ (tBu₂P(O)CH₂CH(tBu)OH) with mid to late trivalent lanthanide cations affords predominantly homochiral lanthanide complexes (RRR)‐[Ln(L¹)₃] and (SSS)‐[Ln(L¹)₃]. A series of reactions are reported that demonstrate that the syntheses are under thermodynamic control, and driven by a ligand ‘self‐recognition’ process, in which the large asymmetric bidentate L¹ ligands pack most favourably in a C₃ geometry around the lanthanide cation. The synthesis of bis(L¹) adducts [Ln(L¹)₂X] (X=N(SiMe₃)₂, OC₆H₃tBu‐2,6) is also reported. Analysis of the diastereomer mixtures shows that homochiral (L¹)₂ complexes are favoured but to a lesser extent. The complexes Ln(L¹)₃ and [Ln(L¹)₂(OC₆H₃tBu‐2,6)] have been studied as initiators for the polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and its copolymer with lactide, glycolide and its copolymer with lactide, and ε‐caprolactam.     

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.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Rare Earth Metal Chlorides Bearing Bridged-Indenyl Ancillary Ligand

Two new rare earth metal chloride complexes supported by a bridged‐indenyl ancillary ligand, [C₉H₆SiMe₂‐ (CH₂)₂SiMe₂C₉H₆]Ln(µ‐Cl)₂Li(TMEDA) [Ln=Y ( 1 ), Lu ( 2 )], were synthesized via salt metathesis reaction. Reaction of C₉H₇SiMe₂(CH₂)₂SiMe₂C₉H₇ with 2 equiv. of n‐butyllithium in hexane at room temperature afforded [C₉H₆SiMe₂‐ (CH₂)₂SiMe₂C₉H₆]Li₂ as white powder in 95% isolated yield. Further treatment of [C₉H₆SiMe₂(CH₂)₂SiMe₂‐ C₉H₆]Li₂ with anhydrous LnCl₃ in 1:1 molar ratio in THF/TMEDA at room temperature provided the bridged‐indenyl rare earth metal chlorides 1 and 2 in 86%–89% isolated yields. Both complexes were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. The central metals in both complexes are eight‐coordinated by two indenyl ligands in η⁵‐fashion, and two chlorine atoms to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry.     

Dinuclear Rare‐Earth Metal Alkyl Complexes Supported by Indolyl Ligands in μ‐η2:η1:η1 Hapticities and their High Catalytic Activity for Isoprene 1,4‐cis‐Polymerization

Two series of new dinuclear rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes supported by indolyl ligands in novel μ‐η²:η¹:η¹ hapticities are synthesized and characterized. Treatment of [RE(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] with 1 equivalent of 3‐(tBuN?CH)C₈H₅NH ( L₁ ) in THF gives the dinuclear rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes trans‐[(μ‐η²:η¹:η¹‐3‐{tBuNCH(CH₂SiMe₃)}Ind)RE(thf)(CH₂SiMe₃)]₂ (Ind=indolyl, RE=Y, Dy, or Yb) in good yields. In the process, the indole unit of L₁ is deprotonated by the metal alkyl species and the imino C?N group is transferred to the amido group by alkyl CH₂SiMe₃ insertion, affording a new dianionic ligand that bridges two metal alkyl units in μ‐η²:η¹:η¹ bonding modes, forming the dinuclear rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes. When L₁ is reduced to 3‐(tBuNHCH₂)C₈H₅NH ( L₂ ), the reaction of [Yb(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] with 1 equivalent of L₂ in THF, interestingly, generated the trans‐[(μ‐η²:η¹:η¹‐3‐{tBuNCH₂}Ind)Yb(thf)(CH₂SiMe₃)]₂ (major) and cis‐[(μ‐η²:η¹:η¹‐3‐{tBuNCH₂}Ind)Yb(thf)(CH₂SiMe₃)]₂ (minor) complexes. The catalytic activities of these dinuclear rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes for isoprene polymerization were investigated; the yttrium and dysprosium complexes exhibited high catalytic activities and high regio‐ and stereoselectivities for isoprene 1,4‐cis‐polymerization.     

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.     

Yttrium bis(alkyl) and bis(amido) complexes bearing N,O multidentate ligands. Synthesis and catalytic activity towards ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide

Methoxy‐modified β‐diimines HL ¹ and HL ² reacted with Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ to afford the corresponding bis(alkyl)s [L¹Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] ( 1 ) and [L²Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] ( 2 ), respectively. Amination of 1 with 2,6‐diisopropyl aniline gave the bis(amido) counterpart [L¹Y{N(H)(2,6‐iPr₂? C₆H₃)}₂] ( 3 ), selectively. Treatment of Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂ with methoxy‐modified anilido imine HL ³ yielded bis(alkyl) complex [L³Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)] ( 4 ) that sequentially reacted with 2,6‐diisopropyl aniline to give the bis(amido) analogue [L³Y{N(H)(2,6‐iPr₂? C₆H₃)}₂] ( 5 ). Complex 2 was “base‐free” monomer, in which the tetradentate β‐diiminato ligand was meridional with the two alkyl species locating above and below it, generating tetragonal bipyramidal core about the metal center. Complex 3 was asymmetric monomer containing trigonal bipyramidal core with trans‐arrangement of the amido ligands. In contrast, the two cis‐located alkyl species in complex 4 were endo and exo towards the O,N,N tridentate anilido‐imido moiety. The bis(amido) complex 5 was confirmed to be structural analogue to 4 albeit without THF coordination. All these yttrium complexes are highly active initiators for the ring‐opening polymerization of L ‐LA at room temperature. The catalytic activity of the complexes and their “single‐site” or “double‐site” behavior depend on the ligand framework and the geometry of the alkyl (amido) species in the corresponding complexes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5662–5672, 2007     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal–Hydrocarbyl Complexes Bearing Linked Cyclopentadienyl or Fluorenyl Ligands: Synthesis,Catalyzed Styrene Polymerization,and Structure–Reactivity Relationship

A series of rare‐earth‐metal–hydrocarbyl complexes bearing N‐type functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and fluorenyl (Flu) ligands were facilely synthesized. Treatment of [Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] with equimolar amount of the electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp ligand C₅Me₄H‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂ afforded the corresponding binuclear monoalkyl complex [({C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe(μ‐CH₂)}Y{CH₂SiMe₃})₂] ( 1 a ) via alkyl abstraction and C? H activation of the NMe₂ group. The lutetium bis(allyl) complex [(C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)Lu(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] ( 2 b ), which contained an electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp ligand, was isolated from the sequential metathesis reactions of LuCl₃ with (C₅Me₄‐C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)Li (1 equiv) and C₃H₅MgCl (2 equiv). Following a similar procedure, the yttrium‐ and scandium–bis(allyl) complexes, [(C₅Me₄‐C₅H₄N)Ln(η³‐C₃H₅)₂] (Ln=Y ( 3 a ), Sc ( 3 b )), which also contained electron‐withdrawing pyridyl‐Cp ligands, were also obtained selectively. Deprotonation of the bulky pyridyl‐Flu ligand (C₁₃H₉‐C₅H₄N) by [Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(thf)₂] generated the rare‐earth‐metal–dialkyl complexes, [(η³‐C₁₃H₈‐C₅H₄N)Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(thf)] (Ln=Y ( 4 a ), Sc ( 4 b ), Lu ( 4 c )), in which an unusual asymmetric η³‐allyl bonding mode of Flu moiety was observed. Switching to the bidentate yttrium–trisalkyl complex [Y(CH₂C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)₃], the same reaction conditions afforded the corresponding yttrium bis(aminobenzyl) complex [(η³‐C₁₃H₈‐C₅H₄N)Y(CH₂C₆H₄‐o‐NMe₂)₂] ( 5 ). Complexes 1 – 5 were fully characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and X‐ray spectroscopy, and by elemental analysis. In the presence of both [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] and AliBu₃, the electron‐donating aminophenyl‐Cp‐based complexes 1 and 2 did not show any activity towards styrene polymerization. In striking contrast, upon activation with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] only, the electron‐withdrawing pyridyl‐Cp‐based complexes 3 , in particular scandium complex 3 b , exhibited outstanding activitiy to give perfectly syndiotactic (rrrr >99 %) polystyrene, whereas their bulky pyridyl‐Flu analogues ( 4 and 5 ) in combination with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] and AliBu₃ displayed much‐lower activity to afford syndiotactic‐enriched polystyrene.     

Lewis Base Assisted Magnesium Complexes Incorporating Pyrrolyl and Ketiminate Ligands: Synthesis,Structural Diversity and Characterization

A series of four, five and six‐coordinated magnesium derivatives integrating with substituted pyrrole and ketimine ligands are conveniently synthesized. Reaction of two equiv of 2‐dimethylaminomethyl pyrrole with Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF affords the monomeric magnesium complex Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH₂NMe₂)]₂ (THF)₂ ( 1 ) in high yield along with elimination of two equiv of HN(SiMe₃)₂. Similarly, the reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF renders the magnesium derivative, Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH₂NH^tBu)]₂(THF)2₂( 2 ) in good yield. Interestingly, reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in toluene, instead of THF, generates Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH2NH^tBu)]₂ ( 3 ), also in high yield. Furthermore, the assembly of two equiv of ketimine ligand, HOCMeCHCMeNAr (Ar = C₆H₃‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂) and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂, yields five‐coordinated magnesium derivatives, Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)₂(THF) ( 4 ) and Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)₂(OEt₂) ( 5 ), using THF and diethyl ether, respectively. All the aforementioned derivatives are characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy as well as 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 are subjected to X‐ray diffraction analysis in solid state.     

Metallorganische Verbindungen der Lanthanoide. 155 [1] Synthese und Charakterisierung neuer Lanthanoidocen‐Komplexe mit silylierten Cyclopentadienylliganden

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 155 [1] Synthesis and Characterization of New Lanthanocene Complexes containing Silylated Cyclopentadienyl Ligands The trichlorides of yttrium, samarium, and lutetium react with two equiv. of K[C₅H₄SiEt₃] ( 1 ) to form the dimeric compounds [(η⁵‐C₅H₄SiEt₃)₂LnCl]₂ (Ln = Y ( 2 ), Sm ( 3 ), Lu ( 4 )). These react with one equiv. of methyllithium to give the corresponding dimeric lanthanocenemethyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅H₄SiEt₃)₂LnMe]₂ (Ln = Y ( 5 ), Sm ( 6 ), Lu ( 7 )). The reaction between samarium trichloride and lutetium trichloride, respectively with two equiv. of K[1, 3‐C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂] followed by one equiv. of methyllithium results in the formation of the monomeric methyl complexes [η⁵‐1, 3‐C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂]₂LnMe(THF) (Ln = Sm ( 8 ), Lu ( 9 )). The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, ¹H‐ and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, as well as 1 — 7 by single crystal X‐ray structure analysis.     

Metallorganische Verbindungen der Lanthanoide. 88. Monomere Lanthanoid(III)-amide: Synthese und Röntgenstrukturanalyse von [Nd{N(C6H5)(SiMe3)}3(THF)], [Li(THF)2(μ-Cl)2Nd{N(C6H3Me2-2,6)(SiMe3)}2(THF)] und [ClNd{N(C6H3-iso-Pr2-2,6)(SiMe3)}2(THF)]

Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 88. Monomeric Lanthanide(III) Amides: Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure of [Nd{N(C₆H₅)(SiMe₃)}₃(THF)], [Li(THF)₂(μ-Cl)₂Nd{N(C₆H₃Me₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)}₂(THF)], and [ClNd{N(C₆H₃-iso-Pr₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)} ₂(THF)] A series of lanthanide(III) amides [Ln{N(C₆H₅) · (SiMe₃)}₃(THF)_x] [Ln = Y ( 1 ), La ( 2 ), Nd ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Eu ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), Er ( 8 ), Yb ( 9 ), Lu ( 10 )] could be prepared by the reaction of lanthanide trichlorides, LnCl₃, with LiN(C₆H₅)(SiMe₃). Treatment of NdCl₃(THF)₂ and LuCl₃(THF)₃ with the lithium salts of the bulky amides [N(C₆H₃R₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)]^? (R = Me, iso-Pr) results in the formation of the lanthanide diamides [Li(THF)₂(μ-Cl)₂Nd{N(C₆H₃Me₂-2, 6)(SiMe₃)}₂(THF)] ( 11 ) and [ClLn{N(C₆H₃-iso-Pr₂-2,6)(SiMe₃)} ₂(THF)] [Ln = Nd ( 12 ), Lu ( 13 )], respectively. The ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR and mass spectra of the new compounds as well as the X-ray crystal structures of the neodymium derivatives 3 , 11 and 12 are discussed.     

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.