Zirconocene

Last updated
Zirconocene
Structure of zirconocene.svg
Names
IUPAC name
Bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl)zirconium
Other names
* Bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl)zirconium(II)
  • Di(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium
  • [(η5-C5H5)2Zr]
  • [(Cp)2Zr]
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
  • InChI=1S/2C5H5.Zr/c2*1-2-4-5-3-1;/h2*1-5H;/q2*-1;+2
    Key: IDASTKMEQGPVRR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [CH-]1C=CC=C1.[CH-]1C=CC=C1.[Zr+2]
Properties
C10H10Zr
Molar mass 221.40 g·mol −1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Zirconocene is a hypothetical compound with 14 valence electrons, which has not been observed or isolated. It is an organometallic compound consisting of two cyclopentadienyl rings bound on a central zirconium atom. A crucial question in research is what kind of ligands can be used to stabilize the Cp2ZrII metallocene fragment to make it available for further reactions in organic synthesis. [1]

Contents

Structure

In contrast to sandwich compounds that have parallel cyclopentadienyl rings bound on opposite sides of the metal atom, such as ferrocene, zirconocene and other group 4 metallocenes are bent. Without stabilizing ligands, the Cp2ZrII fragment is unstable and dimerizes to form a fulvalene complex. [2]

Metallocene compound group 4.svg
Bent geometry of group 4 metallocene compounds as stabilized by two additional ligands (X)
Zirconocene fulvalene complex.png
Dimer with bridging fulvalene that forms from zirconocene without additional ligands

History

In 1954, Wilkinson and Birmingham described zirconocene dihalides Cp2ZrX2 with X=Cl or Br, as some of the earliest examples of organozirconium compounds. [2] The chemistry of Cp2ZrII-compounds was explored more extensively in the 1980s by Negishi, Takahashi, Buchwald, and others. [3] In the 1990s, Rosenthal synthesized zirconocene reagents using bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene as stabilizing ligand. This novel zirconocene source offers a number of compelling advantages over previously used reagents and broadens the range of possible reactions. [1] The chemistry of Cp2ZrII-compounds is still a rapid growing area with zirconium being ranked among the most widely used transition metals in organic synthesis. [3]

Synthesis

The unstable 14-electron Cp2ZrII-compound is generally non-existent, but can be generated using ligands that stabilize the metallocene fragment. Optimally, these ligands can be quantitatively released under mild conditions. [1]

One option is the usage of π-acceptor ligands like carbon monoxide. Furthermore, a reaction with trimethylphosphine yields Cp2ZrII-complex as illustrated below. [2]

Reactions of zirconocene dichloride.svg

In the synthesis of the Negishi reagent, treatment of zirconocene dichloride in tetrahydrofuran with two equivalents of n-butyllithium at −78 °C gives (1-butene)zirconocene, which is represented by the resonance structures A and B. [4]

Reaction of zirconocene dichloride with n-BuLi.svg

If bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene is used instead of n-butyllithium, a higher yield is can be obtained. In this case, zirconocene complexes are synthesized to Rosenthal's reagent, represented by the resonance structures A and B. This reagent is stable at room temperature, can be stored under an inert atmosphere and allows a more precise control over the stoichiometry of reactions as it can be formed quantitatively. [5] A fine tune of the general reaction shown below is feasible by using different substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands as well as additional ligands (e. g. THF, pyridine). Instead of zirconium used as central atom, an analogous reaction with titanium is possible, too. [6]

Synthesis of rosenthal reagent.svg

Reactions

The highly reactive Cp2ZrII compound possesses one lone electron pair and two vacant valence orbitals. Therefore, it can be compared to carbenes in terms of its reactivity. [1] Typical reactions of in situ generated zirconocenes are coupling or insertion to form metallacycles. These reactions have been observed upon addition of carbon monoxide, ketones, nitriles, alkynes and other substances and led to five-, seven- and nine-membered metallacycles. [7]

Applications

Zirconocene coupling and insertion are used extensively to generate functionalized organic compounds. Taking Rosenthal's reagent, high yields of predictable macrocyclic products can be obtained. These macrocycles are applicated in numerous ways, such as host–guest chemistry, chemical sensing, catalysis, and materials science. [8] Moreover, with zirconocene complexes, the synthesis of so far unknown heterometallacycles and synthetically challenging organic structures can be realized by novel C-C coupling of nitriles. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metallocene</span>

A metallocene is a compound typically consisting of two cyclopentadienyl anions (C
5
H
5
, abbreviated Cp) bound to a metal center (M) in the oxidation state II, with the resulting general formula (C5H5)2M. Closely related to the metallocenes are the metallocene derivatives, e.g. titanocene dichloride or vanadocene dichloride. Certain metallocenes and their derivatives exhibit catalytic properties, although metallocenes are rarely used industrially. Cationic group 4 metallocene derivatives related to [Cp2ZrCH3]+ catalyze olefin polymerization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclopentadienyl complex</span> Coordination complex of a metal and Cp⁻ ions

A cyclopentadienyl complex is a coordination complex of a metal and cyclopentadienyl groups. Cyclopentadienyl ligands almost invariably bind to metals as a pentahapto (η5-) bonding mode. The metal–cyclopentadienyl interaction is typically drawn as a single line from the metal center to the center of the Cp ring.

An alkyne trimerisation is a [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction in which three alkyne units react to form a benzene ring. The reaction requires a metal catalyst. The process is of historic interest as well as being applicable to organic synthesis. Being a cycloaddition reaction, it has high atom economy. Many variations have been developed, including cyclisation of mixtures of alkynes and alkenes as well as alkynes and nitriles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Titanocene dichloride</span> Chemical compound

Titanocene dichloride is the organotitanium compound with the formula (η5-C5H5)2TiCl2, commonly abbreviated as Cp2TiCl2. This metallocene is a common reagent in organometallic and organic synthesis. It exists as a bright red solid that slowly hydrolyzes in air. It shows antitumour activity and was the first non-platinum complex to undergo clinical trials as a chemotherapy drug.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schwartz's reagent</span> Chemical compound

Schwartz's reagent is the common name for the organozirconium compound with the formula (C5H5)2ZrHCl, sometimes called zirconocene hydrochloride or zirconocene chloride hydride, and is named after Jeffrey Schwartz, a chemistry professor at Princeton University. This metallocene is used in organic synthesis for various transformations of alkenes and alkynes.

Transmetalation (alt. spelling: transmetallation) is a type of organometallic reaction that involves the transfer of ligands from one metal to another. It has the general form:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandwich compound</span> Chemical compound made of two ring ligands bound to a metal

In organometallic chemistry, a sandwich compound is a chemical compound featuring a metal bound by haptic, covalent bonds to two arene (ring) ligands. The arenes have the formula CnHn, substituted derivatives and heterocyclic derivatives. Because the metal is usually situated between the two rings, it is said to be "sandwiched". A special class of sandwich complexes are the metallocenes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organocopper chemistry</span> Compound with carbon to copper bonds

Organocopper chemistry is the study of the physical properties, reactions, and synthesis of organocopper compounds, which are organometallic compounds containing a carbon to copper chemical bond. They are reagents in organic chemistry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organotitanium chemistry</span>

Organotitanium chemistry is the science of organotitanium compounds describing their physical properties, synthesis, and reactions. Organotitanium compounds in organometallic chemistry contain carbon-titanium chemical bonds. They are reagents in organic chemistry and are involved in major industrial processes.

A carbometallation is any reaction where a carbon-metal bond reacts with a carbon-carbon π-bond to produce a new carbon-carbon σ-bond and a carbon-metal σ-bond. The resulting carbon-metal bond can undergo further carbometallation reactions or it can be reacted with a variety of electrophiles including halogenating reagents, carbonyls, oxygen, and inorganic salts to produce different organometallic reagents. Carbometallations can be performed on alkynes and alkenes to form products with high geometric purity or enantioselectivity, respectively. Some metals prefer to give the anti-addition product with high selectivity and some yield the syn-addition product. The outcome of syn and anti- addition products is determined by the mechanism of the carbometallation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Group 2 organometallic chemistry</span>

Group 2 organometallic chemistry refers to the chemistry of compounds containing carbon bonded to any group 2 element. By far the most common group 2 organometallic compounds are the magnesium-containing Grignard reagents which are widely used in organic chemistry. Other organmetallic group 2 compounds are rare and are typically limited to academic interests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organozirconium and organohafnium chemistry</span>

Organozirconium chemistry is the science of exploring the properties, structure, and reactivity of organozirconium compounds, which are organometallic compounds containing chemical bonds between carbon and zirconium. Organozirconium compounds have been widely studied, in part because they are useful catalysts in Ziegler-Natta polymerization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metallacycle</span>

In organometallic chemistry, a metallacycle is a derivative of a carbocyclic compound wherein a metal has replaced at least one carbon center; this is to some extent similar to heterocycles. Metallacycles appear frequently as reactive intermediates in catalysis, e.g. olefin metathesis and alkyne trimerization. In organic synthesis, directed ortho metalation is widely used for the functionalization of arene rings via C-H activation. One main effect that metallic atom substitution on a cyclic carbon compound is distorting the geometry due to the large size of typical metals.

Zirconocene dichloride is an organozirconium compound composed of a zirconium central atom, with two cyclopentadienyl and two chloro ligands. It is a colourless diamagnetic solid that is somewhat stable in air.

Organoiron chemistry is the chemistry of iron compounds containing a carbon-to-iron chemical bond. Organoiron compounds are relevant in organic synthesis as reagents such as iron pentacarbonyl, diiron nonacarbonyl and disodium tetracarbonylferrate. While iron adopts oxidation states from Fe(−II) through to Fe(VII), Fe(IV) is the highest established oxidation state for organoiron species. Although iron is generally less active in many catalytic applications, it is less expensive and "greener" than other metals. Organoiron compounds feature a wide range of ligands that support the Fe-C bond; as with other organometals, these supporting ligands prominently include phosphines, carbon monoxide, and cyclopentadienyl, but hard ligands such as amines are employed as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organomolybdenum chemistry</span> Chemistry of compounds with Mo-C bonds

Organomolybdenum chemistry is the chemistry of chemical compounds with Mo-C bonds. The heavier group 6 elements molybdenum and tungsten form organometallic compounds similar to those in organochromium chemistry but higher oxidation states tend to be more common.

In organometallic chemistry, bent metallocenes are a subset of metallocenes. In bent metallocenes, the ring systems coordinated to the metal are not parallel, but are tilted at an angle. A common example of a bent metallocene is Cp2TiCl2. Several reagents and much research is based on bent metallocenes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene</span> Chemical compound

Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene (BTMSA) is an organosilicon compound with the formula Me3SiC≡CSiMe3 (Me = methyl). It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents. This compound is used as a surrogate for acetylene.

Organoniobium chemistry is the chemistry of compounds containing niobium-carbon (Nb-C) bonds. Compared to the other group 5 transition metal organometallics, the chemistry of organoniobium compounds most closely resembles that of organotantalum compounds. Organoniobium compounds of oxidation states +5, +4, +3, +2, +1, 0, -1, and -3 have been prepared, with the +5 oxidation state being the most common.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rosenthal's reagent</span>

Rosenthal's reagent is a metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex with zirconium (Cp2Zr) or titanium (Cp2Ti) used as central atom of the metallocene fragment Cp2M. Additional ligands such as pyridine or THF are commonly used as well. With zirconium as central atom and pyridine as ligand, a dark purple to black solid with a melting point of 125–126 °C is obtained. Synthesizing Rosenthal's reagent of a titanocene source yields golden-yellow crystals of the titanocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex with a melting point of 81–82 °C. This reagent enables the generation of the themselves unstable titanocene and zirconocene under mild conditions.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Rosenthal, Uwe; Burlakov, Vladimir V. (2002), Titanium and Zirconium in Organic Synthesis, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, pp. 355–389, doi:10.1002/3527600671.ch10, ISBN   978-3527304288
  2. 1 2 3 Negishi, Ei-ichi; Montchamp, Jean-Luc (1998), Metallocenes, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, pp. 241–319, doi:10.1002/9783527619542.ch5, ISBN   9783527619542
  3. 1 2 Negishi, Ei-ichi; Huo, Shouquan (2002), Titanium and Zirconium in Organic Synthesis, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, pp. 1–49, doi:10.1002/3527600671.ch1, ISBN   978-3527304288
  4. Negishi, Ei-Ichi; Takahashi, Tamotsu (May 1994). "Patterns of Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactions of Organozirconium and Related Complexes of Synthetic Interest". Accounts of Chemical Research. 27 (5): 124–130. doi:10.1021/ar00041a002. ISSN   0001-4842.
  5. Nitschke, Jonathan R.; Zürcher, Stefan; Tilley, T. Don (October 2000). "New Zirconocene-Coupling Route to Large, Functionalized Macrocycles". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 122 (42): 10345–10352. doi:10.1021/ja0020310. ISSN   0002-7863.
  6. Rosenthal, Uwe; Burlakov, Vladimir V.; Arndt, Perdita; Baumann, Wolfgang; Spannenberg, Anke (March 2003). "The Titanocene Complex of Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene: Synthesis, Structure, and Chemistry†". Organometallics. 22 (5): 884–900. doi:10.1021/om0208570. ISSN   0276-7333.
  7. Becker, Lisanne; Rosenthal, Uwe (August 2017). "Five-membered all-C- and hetero-metallacycloallenoids of group 4 metallocenes". Coordination Chemistry Reviews. 345: 137–149. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2016.07.008. ISSN   0010-8545.
  8. Gessner, Viktoria H.; Tannaci, John F.; Miller, Adam D.; Tilley, T. Don (2011-06-21). "Assembly of Macrocycles by Zirconocene-Mediated, Reversible Carbon−Carbon Bond Formation". Accounts of Chemical Research. 44 (6): 435–446. doi:10.1021/ar100148g. ISSN   0001-4842. PMID   21473633.
  9. Rosenthal, Uwe (2018-08-23). "Reactions of Group 4 Metallocene Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene Complexes with Nitriles and Isonitriles". Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 57 (45): 14718–14735. doi:10.1002/anie.201805157. ISSN   1433-7851. PMID   29888436. S2CID   205407516.