Synthesis, reactivity, and structures of dialuminum complexes containing linked ketiminate ligands

Linked bis(ketimine) (1) can be prepared with the reaction of excess 2,4-pentanedione and 4,4′-methylene-bis(2,6-diisopropylaniline) in methanol in the presence of catalytic amount of formic acid. The dialuminum alkyl complexes containing the linked bis(ketiminate) dianionic ligands, [OC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₂-4)AlR₂]₂CH₂ (2, R = Me; 3, R = Et), were prepared by a reaction of 2 equiv AlR₃ with [OC(Me)CHC(Me)NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₂-4)]₂CH₂ in methylene chloride. Reactions of 2 with 2 and 4 equiv of I₂ gave corresponding aluminum iodo complexes 4 and 5, respectively. Treatment of 5 with 2 equiv of AgBF₄, however, gave a diboron complex, [OC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₂-4)BF₂]₂CH₂ (6), in 18% isolated yield. All new complexes have been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and complexes 2, 3, and 6 are also confirmed by X-ray diffraction.     

Dinuclear metal phosphonates and -phosphates

The reaction of Cu(II) or Cd(II) salts with 2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂PO₃H₂, 2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂CH₂PO₃H₂ or 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃OPO₃H₂ in the presence of strong chelating nitrogen ligands such as 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2-pyridylpyrazole (pypz) or 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole (dmpz) as the ancillary ligands afforded dinuclear copper or cadmium complexes [Cu₂(2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂PO₃H)₄(bpy)₂] (4), [Cu₂(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃OPO₃H)₂(bpy)₂(OAc)₂(CH₃OH)₂]·(CH₃OH) (5), [Cd₂(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃OPO₃H)₄ (bpy)₂(CH₃OH)₂]·2(CH₃OH) (6), [Cd₂(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃OPO₃H)₄(phen)₂] (7), [Cu₂(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃OPO₃H)₂(PyPz)₂(CH₃OH)₂] (8) and [Cu₂(2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂CH₂PO₃H)₂(DMPz)₂Cl₂]·(CH₃OH) (9) The molecular structures of 4-7 are grossly similar. The common structural features in these complexes are that the two metal centers are bridged by two bidentate [RPO₂(OH)]⁻ ligands generating a central eight-membered ring. Each of the metal centers also contains a chelating nitrogen ligand and a monodentate phosphonate or a phosphate ligand. In 5 and 6 other terminal ancillary ligands are also present. In compound 8, each of the two copper centers contains a monodentate [RPO₂(OH)]⁻ ligand along with a molecule of methanol. The two coppers are bridged by two monoanionic pyridylpyrazole ligands. The molecular structure of 9 is similar to that of 4-7. However, in 9 each of the two copper centers contain only terminal monodentate ligands in the form of two chlorides and a pyrazole. Magnetic studies on all of these copper complexes reveal an anti-ferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures. In addition, these complexes were found to be artificial nucleases and can convert supercoiled pBR322 DNA form I into nick form II in 1 min in the presence of an external oxidant through a hydrolytic and/or an oxidative pathway.     

Two new bulky amido ligands useful for the preparation of metal complexes and examples of their reactivity

The search for new ligands with interesting properties is a quest that can occupy much of a synthetic chemist’s time. We have recently discovered two new ligands based on an adamantyl-substituted, 2,6-ⁱPr₂-substituted phenyl (Dipp) system. In an attempt to prepare the extremely bulky amine [(ad)(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)NH] (ad = adamantyl) we found instead that the adamantyl group attacks the aromatic ring in the 4-position to form a new primary amine, (4-ad-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₂)NH₂ (1) (ad-Dipp-NH₂), characterized by normal techniques. Compound 1 could be converted into a Li salt by a 1:1 reaction with ⁿBuLi, or converted into a more bulky silylamine, [(ad-Dipp)NH(SiMe₃)] (3), by treatment with Me₃SiCl. We have characterized the lithium salt by X-ray crystallography as the dimeric complex, [(ad-Dipp)NHLi(Et₂O)]₂ (2). The lithium amide can be used as a reagent towards metal halides, and we have discovered that its reaction with SnCl₂ yields a compound with a tetrameric, [Sn-N]₄ cubane-like cage structure. We have also demonstrated the ligand behavior of 3 by its reaction with Bu₂Mg in THF to form a monomeric Mg-amide with two THF solvent molecules attached. These new ligands can provide advantages over conventional ligands in terms of improved solubility and ease of crystallization.     

Efficient guanylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amines catalyzed by cyclopentadienyl-free rare earth metal amides

Diamido-supported rare earth metal amides with the general formula {(CH₂SiMe₂)[(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)N]₂}LnN(SiMe₃)₂(THF) [(Ln = Yb(1), Y(2), Dy(3), Sm (4), Nd (5)] were found to be highly efficient catalysts for the guanylation of both aromatic and heterocyclic amines under mild conditions. It is found that these catalysts are compatible with a wide range of substituents such as ⁱPr, Me, and MeO having electron-donating property and substituents such as Cl, Br, and O₂N having electron-withdrawing property on the aromatic rings of the aromatic or the heterocyclic amines. The methodology has also the advantages of easy preparation of the catalysts, quick conversion of the substrates to products, mild reaction conditions, and low catalyst loading.     

Uncovering alternate reaction pathways to access uranium(IV) mixed-ligand aryloxide-chloride and alkoxide-chloride metallocene complexes: Synthesis and molecular structures of (C5Me5)2U(O-2,6-Pr2C6H3)(Cl) and (C5Me5)2U(O-Bu)(Cl)

Reaction of the trivalent uranium complex (C₅Me₅)₂U(O-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)(THF) (1) with copper(I) chloride affords the corresponding tetravalent mixed-ligand aryloxide-chloride complex (C₅Me₅)₂U(O-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)(Cl) (2). The oxidative functionalization protocol cannot be extended to the synthesis of (C₅Me₅)₂U(O-^tBu)(Cl) (3) since the corresponding trivalent precursor is not stable. Salt metathesis between (C₅Me₅)₂UCl₂ and KO^tBu is the method of choice for the preparation of the tetravalent alkoxide-chloride derivative (C₅Me₅)₂U(O-^tBu)(Cl) (3). The X-ray crystal structures of (C₅Me₅)₂U(O-2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)(Cl) (2) and (C₅Me₅)₂U(O-^tBu)(Cl) (3) are reported and represent the first structurally characterized uranium(IV) metallocene aryloxide-chloride and alkoxide-chloride complexes, respectively. Both complexes adopt a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry, with a chloride and aryloxide/alkoxide ligand occupying the plane bisecting the metallocene unit.     

Synthesis and structures of aryloxo- and binaphthoxogermanium(IV) alkyl iodide complexes

The germanium(II) aryloxide complexes (S)-[Ge{O₂C₂₀H₁₀-(SiMe₂Ph)₂-3,3′}{NH₃}] (1) and [Ge(OC₆H₃Ph₂-2,6)₂] (2) react with either Bu^tI or MeI to yield the corresponding germanium(IV) compounds (S)-[Ge{O₂C₂₀H₁₀-(SiMe₂Ph)₂-3,3′}{Bu^t}{I}] (3), (S)-[Ge{O₂C₂₀H₁₀-(SiMe₂Ph)₂-3,3′}{Me}{I}] (4), [Ge(OC₆H₃Ph₂-2,6)₂(Bu^t)(I)] (5), and [Ge(OC₆H₃Ph₂-2,6)₂(Me)(I)] (6). Compound 6 reacts with 2,6-diphenylphenol to yield [Ge(OC₆H₃Ph₂-2,6)₃(Me)] (7), while 3-5 do not. The X-ray crystal structures of 3-5 and 7 were determined, and 3-5 represent the first structurally characterized germanium(IV) species having germanium bound to both oxygen and iodine.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear iridium and heterodinuclear iridium-rhodium complexes derived from 1,4-C6H4(CCSiMe3)2 as precursor

The labile iridium(I) precursor trans-[IrCl(C₈H₁₄)(PiPr₃)₂] (2), prepared in situ from [IrCl(C₈H₁₄)₂]₂ (1) and PiPr₃, reacted with equimolar amounts of 1,4-C₆H₄(CCSiMe₃)₂ (3) at 60 °C to give the mononuclear vinylidene complex trans-[IrCl(CC(SiMe₃)C₆H₄CCSiMe₃)(PiPr₃)₂] (4). From 2 and 3 in the molar ratio of 2:1, the dinuclear compound trans,trans-[(PiPr₃)₂ClIr(CC(SiMe₃)C₆H₄C(SiMe₃)C)IrCl(PiPr₃)₂] (5) was obtained. Reaction of 4 with [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂]₂ (6) at room temperature afforded the heterodinuclear alkyne(vinylidene) complex trans,trans-[(PiPr₃)₂ClIr(CC(SiMe₃)C₆H₄CCSiMe₃)RhCl(PiPr₃)₂] (7), which on heating at 45 °C was converted to the bis(vinylidene) isomer trans,trans-[(PiPr₃)₂ClIr(CC(SiMe₃)C₆H₄C(SiMe₃)C)RhCl(PiPr₃)₂] (8).     

Synthesis, characterization and l-lactide polymerization behavior of bis(amidinate) rare earth metal amide complexes

A family of neutral and solvent-free bis(amidinate) rare earth metal amide complexes with a general formula [RC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]₂LnN(SiMe₃)₂ (R = phenyl (Ph), Ln = Y (1), Nd (2); R = cyclohexyl (Cy), Ln = Y (3), Nd (4)) were synthesized in high yields by one-pot salt metathesis reaction of anhydrous LnCl₃, amidinate lithium salt [RC(N-2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)₂]Li, and NaN(SiMe₃)₂ in THF at room temperature. Single crystal structural determination of complexes 1, 2 and 4 revealed that the central metal adopts distorted pyramidal geometry. In the presence of 1 equivalent of ⁱPr-OH, all these complexes were active for l-lactide polymerization in toluene at 70 °C to give high molecular weight (M_n > 10⁴) polymers.     

Bis(acetylacetonato)ruthenium(II) complexes containing bulky tertiary phosphines. Formation and redox behaviour of Ru(acac)2 (PR3) (R = Pr, Cy) complexes with ethene, carbon monoxide, and bridging dinitrogen

Reaction of cis-[Ru(acac)₂(η²-C₈H₁₄)₂] (1) (acac = acetylacetonato) with two equivalents of PⁱPr₃ in THF at −25 °C gives trans-[Ru(acac)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂], trans-3, which rapidly isomerizes to cis-3 at room temperature. The poorly soluble complex [Ru(acac)₂(PCy₃)₂] (4), which is isolated similarly from cis-[Ru(acac)₂(η²-C₂H₄)₂] (2) and PCy₃, appears to exist in the cis-configuration in solution according to NMR data, although an X-ray diffraction study of a single crystal shows the presence of trans-4. In benzene or toluene 2 reacts with PⁱPr₃ or PCy₃ to give exclusively cis-[Ru(acac)₂(η²-C₂H₄)(L)] [L = PⁱPr₃ (5), PCy₃ (6)], whereas in THF species believed to be either square pyramidal [Ru(acac)₂L], with apical L, or the corresponding THF adducts, can be detected by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Complexes 3-6 react with CO (1 bar) giving trans-[Ru(acac)₂(CO)(L)] [L = PⁱPr₃ (trans-8), PCy₃ (trans-9)], which are converted irreversibly into the cis-isomers in refluxing benzene. Complex 5 scavenges traces of dinitrogen from industrial grade dihydrogen giving a bridging dinitrogen complex, cis-[{Ru(acac)₂(PⁱPr₃)} ₂(μ-N₂)] (10). The structures of cis-3, trans-4, 5, 6 and 10 · C₆H₁₄ have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes trans- and cis-3, 5, 6, cis-8, and trans- and cis-9 each show fully reversible one-electron oxidation by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂ at −50 °C with E_1/2(Ru^3+/2+) values spanning −0.14 to +0.92 V (versus Ag/AgCl), whereas for the vinylidene complexes [Ru(acac)₂ (CCHR)(PⁱPr₃)] [R = SiMe₃ (11), Ph (12)] the process is irreversible at potentials of +0.75 and +0.62 V, respectively. The trend in potentials reflects the order of expected π-acceptor ability of the ligands: PⁱPr₃, PCy₃ <C ₂H₄ < CCHR < CO. The UV-Vis spectrum of the thermally unstable, electrogenerated Ru^III-ethene cation 6⁺ has been observed at −50 °C. Cyclic voltammetry of the μ-dinitrogen complex 10 shows two, fully reversible processes in CH₂Cl₂ at −50 °C at +0.30 and +0.90 V (versus Ag/AgCl) corresponding to the formation of 10⁺ (Ru^II,III) and 10²⁺ (Ru^III,III). The former, generated electrochemically at −50 °C, shows a band in the near IR at ca. 8900 cm⁻¹ (w_1/2 ca. 3700 cm⁻¹) consistent with the presence of a valence delocalized system. The comproportionation constant for the equilibrium 10 + 10²⁺ ? 2 10⁺ at 223 K is estimated as 10^13.6.     

Group 3 complexes incorporating (furyl)-substituted disilazide ligands

A series of mono- and bis-amide scandium and yttrium compounds incorporating the furyl-substituted disilazide ligand, [N{SiMe₂R}₂]⁻ {i} (where R = 2-methylfuryl) have been synthesized. The compounds Sc{i}Cl₂ (1), Sc{i}(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ (2) and Sc{i}(OAr)₂ (3) were made from suitable scandium starting materials employing either a salt metathesis protocol with Li{i} or via protonolysis of Sc-C bonds by the neutral amine H{i}. The thermally unstable bis-alkyl yttrium compound, ‘Y{i}(CH₂SiMe₃)₂^’ was isolated as the bis-THF adduct (4) and the bis-aryloxide Y{i}(OAr)₂ (5) was synthesized by elimination of LiOAr from Y(OAr)₃. The bis-amide complex Y{i}₂Cl (6) and conversion to a rare example of an yttrium benzyl compound Y{i}₂(CH₂Ph) (7) are described. The yttrium cation, [Y{i}₂]⁺, was synthesized by benzyl abstraction from 7 using B(C₆F₅)₃. Structural characterization of representative examples show variation in the coordination modes for amide ligand {i}, differing primarily in the number of furyl groups that coordinate to the metal, with examples in which zero, one or two M-O_furyl bonds are present. Preliminary investigation in two areas of catalysis are presented.     

Synthesis, characterization and applications in ethylene polymerization of asymmetric ansa-titanocene complexes. Molecular structure of [Ti{Me2Si(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H3iPr)}Cl2]

The ansa-titanocene complexes, [Ti{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₃R)}Cl₂] (R = Me (5), iPr (6), tBu (7), SiMe₃ (8)), were obtained from the reaction of Li₂{Me₂Si(C₅Me₄)(C₅H₃R)} (R = Me (1), iPr (2), tBu (3), SiMe₃ (4)) with [TiCl₄(THF)₂], respectively. Compounds 5-8 have been tested as catalysts in the polymerization of ethylene and compared with the ansa-titanocene complexes [Ti{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂}Cl₂] and [Ti{Me₂Si(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂]. The resulting polyethylene showed molecular weights of about 200 000 g mol⁻¹ and polydispersity values of approximately 3. In addition, the molecular structure of 6 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Methyl- and propylacetamidinates of lanthanides: Structures, catalytic and some physical properties

The acetamidinates {[MeNC(Me)NMe]₂Ln}₂[μ-η²-η²-MeNC(Me)NMe]₂ (Ln = Y (1), Dy (2)) and {[PrⁿNC(Me)NPrⁿ]₂Y}₂[μ-η²-η²-PrⁿNC(Me)NPrⁿ]₂ (3) have been prepared by the reactions of amides Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with respective N,N′-disubstituted amidines MeNC(Me)NHMe or PrⁿNC(Me)NHPrⁿ. The reaction of Er[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with excess of monosubstituted amidine HNC(Me)NHPrⁱ or in a ratio of 1:2 resulted in the formation of compound {Er[NC(Me)NHPrⁱ]₃}_x (4). The same reaction with 1:1 ratio yielded heteroleptic complex {Er[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂[NC(Me)NHPrⁱ]}_x (5). The complexes 1, 2 and 3 have similar structures and contain four terminal and two μ-η²:η²-N,N-bridging amidinate groups binding the metal atoms. Volatility of 1, 2 and 3 is comparable to that of known monomeric La[PrⁱNC(R)NPrⁱ]₃. Compound 1 efficiently catalyzes the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide to give polylactide with M_n 53 085 and polydispersity 1.84.     

Synthesis, structures, photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties of boron complexes with anilido-imine ligands

Syntheses of three new N-arylanilido-arylimine bidentate Schiff base type ligand precursors, ortho-C₆H₄[NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)](CHNAr¹) [Ar¹ = p-FC₆H₄ (2a); C₆H₅ (2b); p-OMeC₆H₄ (2c)], and their four-coordinated boron complexes, ortho-C₆H₄[N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)](CHNAr¹)BF₂ [Ar¹ = p-FC₆H₄ (3a); C₆H₅ (3b); p-OMeC₆H₄ (3c)] are described. The boron complexes 3a-3c were synthesized from the reaction of BF₃(OEt₂) with the lithium salt of their corresponding ligand. All complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and molecular structures of complexes 3a and 3c were determined by X-ray crystallography. The photophysical properties of complexes 3a-3c were briefly examined. All three complexes display bright green fluorescence in solution and in the solid state. Electroluminescent devices with complex 3c as the emitter were fabricated. These devices were found to give green emission with maximum current efficiency of 2.92 cd/A and maximum luminance of 670 cd/m².     

Nickel promoted C-H, C-C and C-O bond activation in solution

Reaction of NiI₂ with the PCP-ligand {1-Et-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H₃} (1) results in selective activation of the strong sp²-sp³ aryl-ethyl bond to afford the aryl-nickel complex [Ni{2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H₃}I] (2), whereas reaction of NiI₂ with {1,3,5-(CH₃)₃-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H} (4) leads to the formation of the benzylic complex [Ni{1-CH₂-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-3,5-(CH₃)₂-C₆H}I] (5) by selective C-H bond activation. Thermolysis of 5 results in formation of [Ni{2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-3,5-(CH₃)₂-C₆H}I] (6) by activation of the sp²-sp³ C-C bond. The identity of the new 16-electron complexes 2 and 6 was confirmed by reaction of NiI₂ with {1,3-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H₄} (3) and {1,3-(CH₃)₂-4,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H₂} (7), respectively, lacking the aryl-alkyl groups between the “phosphines arms” (alkyl=ethyl, methyl). Complexes 2 and 5 have been fully characterized by X-ray analysis. Nickel-based activation of an unstrained C-O single bond was observed as well. Reaction of the aryl-methoxy bisphosphine {1-OMe-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H₃} (8) with NiI₂ results in the formation of the phenoxy complex [Ni{1-O-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂-C₆H₃}I] (9) by selective sp³-sp³ C-O bond activation.     

Pyridine and phosphine reactions with [CPh3][B(C6F5)4]

Trityl borate salts [4-RPyCPh₃][B(C₆F₅)₄] (R = H 1, ^tBu 2, Et 3, NMe₂4) and [R₃PCPh₃][B(C₆F₅)₄] (R = Me 5, ⁿBu 6, Ph[1] 7, p-MeC₆H₄8) are readily prepared via equimolar reaction of the appropriate pyridine or phosphine and trityl borate [CPh₃][B(C₆F₅)₄]. The analogous reactions of PⁱPr₃ affords the product [(p-ⁱPr₃P-C₆H₄)Ph₂CH][B(C₆F₅)₄] (9) while the corresponding reactions of Cy₃P and ^tBu₃P gave the cyclohexadienyl derivatives [(p-R₃PC₆H₅)CPh₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] (R = Cy 10, ^tBu 11). X-ray structures of 5 and 9 are reported.     

Synthesis of trialkyl[60]fullerene C60(CH2SiMe3)3H and its potassium and rhodium(I) complexes

The reaction of [60]fullerene with Me₃SiCH₂MgCl in 1,2-Cl₂C₆H₄/THF (1/1) under dry air afforded a bis-alkyl adduct, C₆₀(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ (1), in 54% yield. Treatment of 1 with Me₃SiCH₂MgCl in THF under argon then afforded a trialkyl[60]fullerene, C₆₀(CH₂SiMe₃)₃H (2), in 37% yield. Further treatment of 2 with KO^tBu gave a potassium salt, [K(thf)_n][C₆₀(CH₂SiMe₃)₃] (3), which was then converted to a C_s-symmetric Rh(I) complex, Rh[η⁵-C₆₀(CH₂SiMe₃)₃](1,5-cyclooctadiene) (4), in 91% yield.     

Synthesis and characterization of β-diketiminate germanium(II) and tin(II) bromides

The equimolar reaction of a β-diketiminate lithium salt LLi(OEt₂) [L = HC(CMeNAr)₂; Ar = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃] with either GeBr₂ or SnBr₂ in diethyl ether affords the synthetically useful monomeric β-diketiminate-element halides LGeBr (1) and LSnBr (2), respectively. Both are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents, stable in inert atmosphere, and have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis, characterization of some organolanthanide complexes containing 2-pyridylmethyl substituted fluorenyl ligand and catalytic activity of organolanthanide(II) complexes

A series of organolanthanide complexes with 2-pyridylmethyl substituted fluorenyl ligand were synthesized via reaction of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu, Nd, Y) with the functionalized fluorene compound. Treatment of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Yb, Eu) with 2 equiv. of C₅H₄NCH₂C₁₃H₉ (1) at 60-80 °C in toluene afforded the corresponding organolanthanide(II) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹- C₅H₄NCH₂C₁₃H₈]₂Ln [Ln = Yb (2), Eu (3)] via tandem silylamine elimination/homolysis of the Ln-N bond reaction. Reaction of [(Me₃Si)₂N]₃Ln^III(μ-Cl)Li(THF)₃ (Ln = Y, Nd) with 2 equiv. of C₅H₄NCH₂C₁₃H₉ in toluene at 80 °C produced the corresponding organolanthanide(III) complexes with formula [η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄NCH₂C₁₃H₈]₂LnCl [Ln = Y (4), Nd (5)]. Complexes 4 and 5 could also be prepared by treatment of 2 equiv. of lithium fluorenide [η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄NCH₂C₁₃H₈]Li(THF)₂ (6) with corresponding LnCl₃. All compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes 4 and 6 were additionally determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The catalytic properties of the divalent organolanthanide complexes 2 and 3 on the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) have been studied. The temperatures, solvents effects on the catalytic activities of the complexes were examined.     

Synthesis and structure of titanium alkoxides based on tetraphenyl substituted 2,6-dimethanolpyridine moiety

Novel titanocanes and spirobititanocanes based on 2,6-bis[hydroxy(diphenyl)methyl]pyridine (1a) and 2,6-di(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (1b) - [2,6-C₅H₃N(CPh₂O)₂]Ti(O-i-Pr)₂ (2a), [2,6-C₅H₃N(CPh₂O)₂]₂Ti (3a), [2,6-C₅H₃N(CH₂O)₂]₂Ti (3b), [2,6-C₅H₃N(CPh₂O)₂]TiCl₂ (4) - as well as the closely related N-phenyl derivative PhN(CH₂CH₂O)₂Ti(Cl)Cp (5) have been synthesized. Complexes 2-5 were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis data. The molecular structure of 3a was determined by X-ray structure analysis.     

β-Diiminatolanthanoid(III) halides revisited

The crystalline compounds [LnCl₂(L)(thf)₂] [Ln = Ce (1), Tb (2), Yb (3)], [NdI₂(L)(thf)₂] (4), [LnCl(L′)₂] [Ln = Tb (5), Yb (6) (a known compound)] and [YbCl(L′′)(μ-Cl)₂Li(OEt₂)₂] (7) have been prepared [L = {N(C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6)C(H)}₂CPh, L′ = {N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)}₂CH, L′′ = {N(SiMe₃)C(C₆H₄Ph-4)}₂CH]. The X-ray molecular structures of 2-7 have been established; in each, the monoanionic ligand L, L′ or L′′ is N,N′-chelating and essentially π-delocalised. Each of 1-7 was prepared from the appropriate LnCl₃, or for 4 [NdI₃(thf)₂], and an equivalent portion of the appropriate alkali metal [Li for 7, Na for 2, 3 and 5, or K for 1, 4 and 6] β-diiminate in thf; the isolation of exclusively 5 and 6 (rather than the L′ analogues of 2 or 3) is noteworthy, as is the structure of 7 which has no precedent in Group 3 or 4f metal β-diiminato chemistry.