Complexes of Group 4 Elements Containing Cyclopentadienyl Ligands with Pendant Unsaturated Bonds: Synthesis and Reactivity

Abstract:
Novel complexes of group 4 metals bearing cyclopentadienyl ligands modified with pendant unsaturated bonds will be prepared, characterised and further studied. In the first part of the project, the preparation of a series of cyclopentadienyl or bis(cyclopentadienyl) ligands with pendant groups containing either carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen unsaturated bonds (alkenes or alkynes, and imines or nitriles, respectively) is intended. Some of these compounds are yet unknown. The ligands will be ubsequently reacted with various group 4 metal sources in order to prepare corresponding metallocenes, ansa-bridged metallocenes, or half-sandwich complexes with additional halide, amide, alkyl, or other ligands. Following studies will focus on the reactivity of these compounds at the attached group as well as at the metal centre with the aim to reveal their synthetic potential for the preparation of new functionalised organometallic complexes. Preliminary eveluation of catalytic properties of selected derivatives in reactions such as olefin polymerisation/oligomerisation, or alkyne/alkene hydroamination is also scheduled for the last period of the project.