Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of tetracyclopentadienylniobium(IV), a precursor to organometallic derivatives of niobium(IV)

In toluene as medium, tetra(cyclopentadienyl)niobium(IV), NbCp₄, has been prepared in satisfactory yields from the reaction of NaCp with: (a) Nb₂C1₁₀, (b) NbCl₄(THF)₂, or (c) NbCp₂Cl₂. Tetracyclopentadienylniobium(IV) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. Crystal data: C₂₀H₂₀Nb, M=353.29 g mol^?1, hexagonal, space group P6₅ (no. 170), a=b=9.396(2), c=31.23(3) Å, V=2388(2) ų, Z=6, d_calc=1.48 g cm^?3, λ(Cu–K)=1.54184 Å, T=291 K, μ=62.04 cm^?1, F(000)=1686. Two of the four cyclopentadienyl ligands are bonded to niobium in a pentahapto fashion, the other two being monohapto. NbCp₄ undergoes cyclopentadiene elimination in the presence of species containing active protons such as Ph₃SiOH or strong acids, the products being tris- or biscyclopentadienyl compounds depending on the molar ratio of the reagents.