Grignard reagent mediated reaction of Cp2Zr(ii)–ethylene complex with iminesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: reaction procedures and NMR data. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b0/b007456j/

Abstract

Imines which do not react with Grignard reagents reacted with EtMgBr in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cp₂ZrCl₂ to give ethylated products in excellent yields; the stoichiometric reaction of the imines and the zirconocene–ethylene complex did not give the ethylated product, whereas addition of MeMgBr or BuMgCl to the mixture afforded the ethylated product after hydrolysis.