Tentative Identification of the Reactive Species in the Reaction of Cp2 TiCl2 with Salts of Diacids

The tentative identification of the reactive species in the condensation of Cp₂ TiCl₂ with salts of diacids to form titanium polysters is made. The reactive species are believed to be the same for both aqueous solution and interfacial systems, i.e., R -CO₂ ^? and Cp₂ Ti²⁺ with reaction occurring in the aqueous phase. The condensation of Cp₂ TiCl₂ with disodium terephthalate in interfacial systems occurs via a pseudo-first-order reaction:

Rate = K[Cp₂ TiCl₂] The rate-determining step (s) is believed to be diffusion of CP₂ TiCl₂ into the aqueous layer and/or hydrolysis of Cp₂ TiCl₂     

Interaction of chromocene with MgO and reactivity of the adsorbed species towards CO: An IR study

The interaction of chromocene with partially and totally dehydroxylated MgO and the reactivity of the adsorbed species towards CO have been studied by IR spectroscopy. Cp₂Cr is weakly adsorbed on residual surface MgOH groups, forming hydrogen bonded species and, on the extended (100) faces, forming clustered (Cp₂Cr)_n species. A stronger interaction is observed with the highly unsaturated ions located on the edges and corners of the MgO microcrystals. Upon dosage of CO at room temperature, Cp₂CrCO complexes are formed which are stabilized by interaction with the Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions of the surface. The occurrence of an activated process leading to [Cp₂Cr]⁺ and [CpCr(CO)₃]⁻ charged reaction products is also observed.     

Ligand exchange reactions of the alkyluranium(III) complexes (η5-C5H5)3URLi

The Cp₃URLi compounds (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅; R = Me, n-Bu, n-Pent) have been synthesized by reaction of CP₃U(THF) with 1 equivalent of RLi. Exchange of the R alkyl occurs on treatment with alkyllithium reagents or in hydrogenolysis in the presence of a terminal olefin. These reactions presumably involve the Cp₃U and Cp₂UR species which are in equilibrium with the Cp₃URLi complexes.     

Mössbauer study on photochemistry of ferrocene isolated in low-temperature matrix

Unstable novel species produced by photolysis of ferrocene (Cp₂Fe) isolated in low-temperature matrix were studied by means of the⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. On the UV-irradiation of⁵⁷Fe-enriched ferrocene co-condensed with CCl₄ in low-temperature N₂ matrix (20 K), unknown high spin ferrous species (I.S.=0.90±0.01 mm/s, Q.S=1.94±0.02 mm/s) were produced as well as ferricinium ion [Cp₂Fe]⁺ (I.S.=0.52±0.01 mm/s, Q.S.=0.0 mm/s). On the annealing, these photoproducts disappeared to reform ferrocene by the reverse reaction in the matrix. The mechanisms of the photochemical reaction were discussed.     

Metallocene ion pairs: A direct insight into the reaction equilibria and polymerization by 13C NMR spectroscopy

The reaction equilibria of Cp₂Ti¹³CH₃Cl and Cp₂Ti(CH₃)₂ with AlMe₃ (TMA) and/or methylaluminoxane (MAO) have been investigated by ¹³C NMR. Several adducts have been identified. A study of the ¹³C 90% enriched ethylene polymerization in an NMR tube in the presence of the above catalytic systems, in the most experimentally significant conditions, and a comparison of the NMR data with the catalytic activity have been made as well. It has been shown that: i) some species are side products, inactive for addition ethylene polymerization; ii) active cation-like species such as Cp₂TiMe⁺Cl·[AlMeO]_n- and Cp₂TiMe⁺Me·[AlMeO]_n- are formed in titanocene-MAO systems. Concerning the role of AlMe₃, contained in MAO solutions, it has been shown that: a) AlMe₃ is mainly bound to MAO; b) if some “free” AlMe₃ exists in solution it is not the actual cocatalyst in the metallocene-MAO based catalytic systems; c) the amount of AlMe₃ influences either active or inactive species.     

Reactions of Titanocene with Triazines and Dicyandiamide: Formation of Novel Di‐ and Trinuclear Metallacyclic Complexes

The titanocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex Cp₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃) ( 1 ) reacts with different triazines to give trinuclear titanocene compounds. Cleavage of the heterocyclic unit takes place in the reaction with cyanuric chloride, which furnishes a trinuclear cyanide bridged titanocene complex [Cp₂Ti(CN)]₃ ( 2 ). Reaction with cyanuric acid yields the paramagnetic ate complex (Cp₂Ti)₃(C₃N₃O₃) ( 3 ). With melamine the structurally similar amide species (Cp₂Ti)₃[C₃N₃(NH)₃] ( 4 ) is formed. A dinuclear, paramagnetic complex 5 is obtained in the reaction of 1 with dicyandiamide. Complexes 2 , 4 , and 5 were characterized by X‐ray analyses.     

Synthesis of Unprecedented 4d/4f-Polypnictogens

A series of 4d/4f-polyarsenides, -polyarsines and -polystibines was obtained by reduction of the Mo-pnictide precursor complexes [{Cp^tMo(CO)₂}₂(μ,η^2:2-E₂)] (E=As, Sb; Cp^t=tBu substituted cyclopentadienyl) with two different divalent samarocenes [Cp*₂Sm] and [(Cp^Me4nPr)₂Sm]. For the reductive conversion of the Mo-stibide only one product was isolated, featuring a planar tetrastibacyclobutadiene moiety as an unprecedented ligand for organometallic compounds. For the corresponding Mo-arsenide a tetraarsacyclobutadiene and a second species with a side-on coordinated As₂²⁻ anion was isolated. The latter can be considered as reaction intermediate for the formation of the tetraarsacyclobutadiene.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Multiferrocenyl‐Substituted Group 4 Metallocene Complexes

The reaction of different metallocene fragments [Cp₂M] (Cp=η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl, M=Ti, Zr) with diferrocenylacetylene and 1,4‐diferrocenylbuta‐1,3‐diyne is described. The titanocene complexes form the highly strained three‐ and five‐membered ring systems [Cp₂Ti(η²‐FcC₂Fc)] ( 1 ) and [Cp₂Ti(η⁴‐FcC₄Fc)] ( 2 ) (Fc=[Fe(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)]) by addition of the appropriate alkyne or diyne to Cp₂Ti. Zirconocene precursors react with diferrocenyl‐ and ferrocenylphenylacetylene under C? C bond coupling to yield the metallacyclopentadienes [Cp₂Zr(C₄Fc₄)] ( 3 ) and [Cp₂Zr(C₄Fc₂Ph₂)] ( 5 ), respectively. The exchange of the zirconocene unit in 3 by hydrogen atoms opens the route to the super‐crowded ferrocenyl‐substituted compound tetraferrocenylbutadiene ( 4 ). On the other hand, the reaction of 1,4‐diferrocenylbuta‐1,3‐diyne with zirconocene complexes afforded a cleavage of the central C? C bond, and thus, dinuclear [{Cp₂Zr(μ‐η¹:η²‐C?CFc)}₂] ( 6 ) that consists of two zirconocene acetylide groups was formed. Most of the complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, showing attractive multinuclear molecules. The redox properties of 3 , 5 , and 6 were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Upon oxidation to 3 ⁿ⁺, 5 ⁿ⁺, and 6 ⁿ⁺ (n=1–3), decomposition occured with in situ formation of new species. The follow‐up products from 3 and 5 possess two or four reversible redox events pointing to butadiene‐based molecules. However, the dinuclear complex 6 afforded ethynylferrocene under the measurement conditions.     

One-Step Synthesis and Schlenk-Type Equilibrium of Cyclopentadienylmagnesium Bromides

In the in situ Grignard metalation method (iGMM), the addition of bromoethane to a suspension of magnesium turnings and cyclopentadienes [C₅H₆ (HCp), C₅H₅-Si(iPr)₃ (HCp^TIPS)] in diethyl ether smoothly yields heteroleptic [(Et₂O)Mg(Cp^R)(μ-Br)]₂ (Cp^R=Cp ( 1 ), Cp^TIPS ( 2 )). The Schlenk equilibrium of 2 in toluene leads to ligand exchange and formation of homoleptic [Mg(Cp^R)₂] ( 3 ) and [(Et₂O)MgBr(μ-Br)]₂ ( 4 ). Interfering solvation and aggregation as well as ligand redistribution equilibria hamper a quantitative elucidation of thermodynamic data for the Schlenk equilibrium of 2 in toluene. In ethereal solvents, mononuclear species [(Et₂O)₂Mg(Cp^TIPS)Br] ( 2’ ), [(Et₂O)_nMg(Cp^TIPS)₂] ( 3’ ), and [(Et₂O)₂MgBr₂] ( 4’ ) coexist. Larger coordination numbers can be realized with cyclic ethers like tetrahydropyran allowing crystallization of [(thp)₄MgBr₂] ( 5 ). The interpretation of the temperature-dependency of the Schlenk equilibrium constant in diethyl ether gives a reaction enthalpy ΔH and reaction entropy ΔS of −11.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and 60 J mol⁻¹, respectively.     

A comparative study on the reaction mechanisms of Cp2MH2 (M = Cr,Mo, W) with HBF4

The reaction mechanisms of group 6 transition metal dihydride complexes, Cp₂MH₂ (M = Cr, Mo, and W), and HBF₄ were studied using M06‐L density functional theory. The chemical bond changes along the reaction pathway are analyzed by the topological analysis of electron density. The calculated results show that the interactions between the H atom of HBF₄ and Cp₂MH₂ are stronger than those between Cp₂MH₂ and BF₃; additionally, due to the low energy barriers in the subsequent reaction, all the title reactions can occur easily, and the yield rates of the Cp₂MH₂ + HBF₄ reactions are high. For M = Cr and Mo, the [Cp₂MH₃]⁺ in the product Cp₂MH₃·BF₄ is in the nonclassic dihydrogen‐hydride form ([Cp₂M(η²‐H₂)H]⁺). [Cp₂CrH₃]⁺ and [Cp₂MoH₃]⁺are unstable, and H₂ can be easily liberated from them. For M = W, the final product is Cp₂WH₃·BF₄, and [Cp₂WH₃]⁺ is stable in the classic trihydride form.     

The first evidence for a stereostable centrometalled chirality in a dicyclopentadienyltantalum complex

Reaction of dichlorophenylphosphine with monohydrides Cp₂M(CO)H (M = Nb or Ta) gives the salts [Cp₂M(CO)(PPhClH(]⁺ Cl⁻ in good yields. In a basic medium these salts give the neutral complexes Cp₂M(CO) [P(O)(H)Ph]. In a reaction starting from the chiral hydride Cp^* CpTa(CO)H, (Cp^* = C₅Me₅), two diastereoisomers are obtained, and can be isolated as stereostable structures.     

The unusual reactions of indium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate with some first row metallocenes and the structure of “indium(II) cyclopentadienide”

The soluble reagent indium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, InOTf, does not appear to react or interact with ferrocene (Cp₂Fe, Cp = C₅H₅) whereas cobaltocene reacts with InOTf to produce [Cp₂Co]⁺[OTf]⁻ and indium metal. Unexpectedly, the reaction of InOTf with manganocene results in the formation of the unprecedented salt [In(μ²,η⁵-Cp)In]⁺[Cp₃In(μ²,η¹-Cp)InCp₃]⁻: a form of “Cp₂In” that is characterized by X-ray crystallography. Similarly, the reaction of InOTf with [Cp₂Fe]⁺[PF₆]⁻ produces Cp₂Fe and “In₄OTf₆” in addition to other products. The unusual structural features and the formation of the new indium-containing products are rationalized.     

Interaction of dicyclopentadienyl chloride complexes of yttrium and lutetium with sodium naphthalenide

The reaction of Cp₂LuCl with sodium naphthalenide gives an anionic hydride complex [(Cp₂LuH)₃H][Na(THF)₆] (1) and complex Cp₂Lu(2-C₁₀H₇)(THF) (2) containing a -bonded naphthyl ligand. The structure of1 was confirmed by X-ray analysis. When Cp₂YCl is used as the starting material, Cp₃Y and an anionic hydride complex also containing a -naphthyl ligand are formed. A reaction mechanism involving the formation of an unstable complex [(Cp₂Ln⁺)₂(C₁₀H² ₈-)] (4) and its fragmentation into hydride and -naphthyl species is proposed.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 20–20, November, 1994.     

Reaction Species in the Aqueous Solution and Interfacial Synthesis of Zirconium Polyethers

The following tentative identifications are made from the study of variations in pH and substituted hydroquinones in the synthesis of zirconium polyethers: active species for aqueous solution systems, CP₂Zr²⁺ and RO η active species for interfacial systems, Cp₂ ZrCl₂ and R-OH with reaction occurring near the interface or in the organic phase. Yield increases as stirring rate increases throughout the stirring range of 13,000 to 24,500 rpm. Decent yields can also be obtained utilizing “inverse interfacial” systems where the Cp₂ ZrCl₂ is originally contained in water and the diol and added base in the organic layer. No product is found utilizing organic solution systems.     

Cumulated double bond systems as ligands : IV. 1H and 13C NMR studies of the intra- and inter-molecular exchange processes of cationic dialkylsulfurdiimine compounds of RhI,IrI and PtII

The preparation and properties are described of trans-[(Ph₃P)₂(CO)M(RNSNR)] [ClO₄] (M  Rh^I, Ir^I; R  Me, Et, i-Pr, t-Bu) and of cis- or trans-[L₂Pt(RNSNR)X] [ClO₄] (X  Cl^?, L  Et₂S, PhMe₂As, PhMe₂P, R  Me, t-Bu; X  CH₃, L  PhMe₂P, R  Me).¹H and ¹³C NMR data show the existence of various isomers in solution which may interconvert via intra- and inter-molecular exchange processes. A general reaction scheme for the intramolecular exchange processes is discussed.     

Quantum Chemical Investigation of the Initial Steps of the Yttrium‐Mediated Polymerization of Ethene and Propene

The mechanistic details of the initial steps of the polymerization brought about by a dicyclopentadienyl yttriumhydrid catalyst have been computationally investigated using approximate density functional theory. In accord with the experimental information, the overall reaction sequence Cp₂YH + C₂H₄ → Cp₂Y–C₂H₅ and Cp₂YH + C₃H₆ → Cp₂Y–C₃H₇ is computed to be exothermic by ca. 22.2 and 20.8 kcal mol^–1, respectively. The reaction mechanism predicted by our calculations is in harmony with the available experimental information but provides additional information into the various elementary steps of this reaction, which could not be obtained by experimental means.     

Synthesis, properties, and the crystal structure of the complex Cp2Yb(DAD)

The diazadiene complex of trivalent ytterbium, Cp₂Yb(DAD) (1) (DAD=Bu^t−N=CH−CH=N−Bu^t) was prepared according to three different procedures, namely, by oxidation of Cp₂Yb(THF)₂ with diazadiene in THF, by the reaction of Cp₂YbCl with DAD²⁻Na⁺ ₂ taken in a ratio of 2∶1, and by the reaction of Cp₂YbCl(THF) with DAD²⁻Na⁺ ₂ taken in a ratio of 1∶1. Complex1 was characterized by microanalysis, IR spectroscopy, magnetochemistry, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 384–386, February, 1999.     

Mechanism‐Based Condition Screening for Sustainable Catalysis in Single‐Electron Steps by Cyclic Voltammetry

A cyclic‐voltammetry‐based screening method for Cp₂TiX‐catalyzed reactions is introduced. Our mechanism‐based approach enables the study of the influence of various additives on the electrochemically generated active catalyst Cp₂TiX, which is in equilibrium with catalytically inactive [Cp₂TiX₂]^?. Thioureas and ureas are most efficient in the generation of Cp₂TiX in THF. Knowing the precise position of the equilibrium between Cp₂TiX and [Cp₂TiX₂]^? allowed us to identify reaction conditions for the bulk electrolysis of Cp₂TiX₂ complexes and for Cp₂TiX‐catayzed radical arylations without having to carry out the reactions. Our time‐ and resource‐efficient approach is of general interest for the design of catalytic reactions that proceed in single‐electron steps.     

Mechanism of olefin polymerization by a soluble zirconium catalyst

A mechanistic study has been carried out on the homogeneous olefin polymerization/oligomerization catalyst formed from Cp₂ZrMe₂ and methylaluminoxane, (MeAlO)_x, in toluene. Formal transfer of CH₃ from Zr to Al yields low concentrations of Cp₂ZrMe⁺ solvated by [(Me₂AlO)_y(MeAlO)_x−y]_y. The cationic Zr species initiates ethylene oligomerization by olefin coordination followed by insertion into the Zr–CH₃ bond. Chain transfer occurs by one of two competing pathways. The predominant one involves exchange of Cp₂Zr–P⁺ (P=growing ethylene oligomer) with Al–CH₃ to produce another Cp₂ZrMe⁺ initiator plus an Al-bound oligomer. Terminal Al–C bonds in the latter are ultimately cleaved on hydrolytic workup to produce materials with saturated end groups. Concomitant chain transfer occurs by sigma bond metathesis of Cp₂Zr–P⁺ with ethylene. Metathesis results in cleavage of the Zr–C bond of the growing oligomer to produce materials also having saturated end groups; and a new initiating species, Cp₂Zr-CHCH₂⁺. The two chain transfer pathways afford structurally different oligomers distinguishable by carbon number and end group structure. Oligomers derived from the Cp₂ZrMe⁺ channel are C_n (n=odd) alkanes; those derived from Cp₂Zr–CHCH₂⁺ are terminally mono-unsaturated C_n (n=even) alkenes. Chain transfer by beta hydride elimination is detectable but relatively insignificant under the conditions employed. Propylene and 1-hexene react similarly but beta hydride elimination is the predominant chain transfer step. The initial Zr-alkyl species produces a Cp₂ZrH⁺ complex that is the principle chain initiator. Chain transfer is fast relative to propagation and the products are low molecular weight oligomers.     

Ligand‐Controlled CO2 Activation Mediated by Cationic Titanium Hydride Complexes, [LTiH]+ (L=Cp2, O)

CO₂ activation mediated by [LTiH]⁺ (L=Cp₂, O) is observed in the gas phase at room temperature using electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry, and reaction details are derived from traveling wave ion‐mobility mass spectrometry. Wheresas oxygen‐atom transfer prevails in the reaction of the oxide complex [OTiH]⁺ with CO₂, generating [OTi(OH)]⁺ under the elimination of CO, insertion of CO₂ into the metal–hydrogen bond of the cyclopentadienyl complex, [Cp₂TiH]⁺, gives rise to the formate complex [Cp₂Ti(O₂CH)]⁺. DFT‐based methods were employed to understand how the ligand controls the observed variation in reactivity toward CO₂. Insertion of CO₂ into the Ti?H bond constitutes the initial step for the reaction of both [Cp₂TiH]⁺ and [OTiH]⁺, thus generating formate complexes as intermediates. In contrast to [Cp₂Ti(O₂CH)]⁺ which is kinetically stable, facile decarbonylation of [OTi(O₂CH)]⁺ results in the hydroxo complex [OTi(OH)]⁺. The longer lifetime of [Cp₂Ti(O₂CH)]⁺ allows for secondary reactions with background water, as a result of which, [Cp₂Ti(OH)]⁺ is formed. Further, computational studies reveal a good linear correlation between the hydride affinity of [LTi]²⁺ and the barrier for CO₂ insertion into various [LTiH]⁺ complexes. Understanding the intrinsic ligand effects may provide insight into the selective activation of CO₂.