title: Nonchelated d0 zirconium-alkoxide-alkene complexes.
abstract: The reaction of Cp'2Zr(O(t)Bu)Me (Cp' = C5H4Me) and [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] yields the base-free complex [Cp'2Zr(O(t)Bu)][B(C6F5)4] (6), which exists as Cp'2Zr(O(t)Bu)(ClR)+ halocarbon adducts in CD2Cl2 or C6D5Cl solution. Addition of alkenes to 6 in CD2Cl2 solution at low temperature gives equilibrium mixtures of Cp'2Zr(O(t)Bu)(alkene)+ (12a-l), 6, and free alkene. The NMR data for 12a-l are consistent with unsymmetrical alkene bonding and polarization of the alkene C=C bond with positive charge buildup at C(int) and negative charge buildup at C(term). These features arise due to the lack of d-pi* back-bonding. Equilibrium constants for alkene coordination to 6 in CD2Cl2 at -89 degrees C, K(eq) = [12][6](-1)[alkene](-1), vary in the order: vinylferrocene (4800 M(-1)) >> ethylene (7.0) approximately alpha-olefins > cis-2-butene (2.2) > trans-2-butene (<0.1). Alkene coordination is inhibited by sterically bulky substituents on the alkene but is greatly enhanced by electron-donating groups and the beta-Si effect. Compounds 12a-l undergo two dynamic processes: reversible alkene decomplexation via associative substitution of a CD2Cl2 molecule, and rapid rotation of the alkene around the metal-(alkene centroid) axis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5735 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Edward J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Stoebenau
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Jordan