An anionic η2-naphthalene complex of titanium supported by a tripodal [O3C] ligand and its reactions with dinitrogen, anthracene and THF

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of a dianionic titanium naphthalene complex supported by a tripodal triaryloxidemethyl ligand, which is a rare example of an η²-coordinated arene complex of low-valent early transition metals. The η²-naphthalene ligand is readily displaced by N₂ and anthracene along with the release of free naphthalene, resulting in the formation of the end-on N₂ bridging dititanium complex and the anthracene complex, respectively. The naphthalene complex undergoes C–O bond cleavage of THF to produce a 1-oxa-2-titanacyclohexane.