Silylmethyl and related complexes II. Preparation,spectra, and thermolysis of the tetraneopentyls of titanium,zirconium, and hafnium

The preparation and characterisation of the Group IVA neopentyls (Me₃CCH₂)₄M (M = Ti, Zr, or Hf) is described. Spectroscopic data (IR, Raman, mass, ¹H NMR, and PE) are provided; IR and Raman bands have been assigned by comparison with results on Group IVB analogues (M = Ge or Sn). MC₄ stretching vibrations fall in the range 540–485 cm^?1, and bending modes at 240–283 cm^?1. Thermal decomposition gives neopentane as the sole detectable product; qualitatively, stability increases in the order M = Ti < Zr < Hf and for R₄M : R = Me ? Me₃CCH₂ ≈ Me₃SiCH₂. (Me₃CCH₂)₄Ti is aerobically oxidised in benzene to give (Me₃CCH₂O)₄Ti