Group 4 metallocenes: activation of ligands for synthetic and catalytic applications

Metallocene (Ti, Zr, or Hf) derivatives bearing auxiliary highly substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands will be investigated for their ability to react with bonding electrons in the auxiliary ligands as well as in simple molecules and unsaturated hydrocarbons upon thermal, photolytical, or reduction-induced metal activation. New metallocene-derived skeletons will be synthesized, and a number of C-C bond forming reactions will be effected with new catalytically active complexes.