Ketones as an oxolation source for the synthesis of titanium-oxo-organoclusters

Abstract

Two titanium-oxo clusters, [Ti₃O(OPrⁱ)₇(O₃C₉H₁₅)] 1 and [Ti₁₁O₁₃(OPrⁱ)₁₈] 2, have been obtained through the reactions of Ti(OPrⁱ)₄ with ketones such as acetone, acetylacetone and diacetone alcohol. Complex 1 is composed of a trinuclear unit that is capped by a tridentate enolate ligand synthesized insitu. Complex 2 is a more condensed titanium cluster with a spherical oxo core. The titanium-oxo-organo cores of these clusters are preserved in solution as characterized by ¹⁷O, ¹³C, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The possible different reactions involved in the formation of these clusters are discussed.