Activation of cyclopentadiene derivatives by an α-diimine-ligated Mg–Mg-bonded compound

Abstract

Heteroleptic, bimetallic (Mg/K) cyclopentadienyl complexes (2–4) were synthesized by the reaction of the Mg–Mg-bonded compound [K(THF)₃]₂[LMg–MgL] (1, L = [(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)NC(CH₃)]₂²⁻) with cyclopentadiene derivatives, 6,6-dimethylfulvene, 6-(dimethylamino)fulvene, or 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene. The reactions proceed through diverse pathways, including hydrogen abstraction, C–C coupling, and dehydrogenation, depending on the property of the polyene substrate, thus providing an access to alkali/alkaline earth metal cyclopentadienyl complexes.