η2-Sulfenamido complexes of uranium

Abstract

Thermally stable η²-sulfenamido complexes of uranium, U(η²-Bu^tNSPh)₄1 and UCp*₂(η²-Bu^tNSPh)X, X = Cl 2a or Br 2b, have been prepared by metathetical reactions of LiN(Bu^t)SPh with UCl₄/PMe₃ and UCp*₂Cl₂, respectively; 2 resists further substitution. Structure determination by X-ray diffraction shows that the bonding of the sulfenamido ligand is analogous to that found in its complexes with the early transition metals Ti, Zr, Mo and W. Indeed 1 is closely isostructural with the homoleptic zirconium complex, and 2a, 2b are effectively isostructural with ZrCp₂(η²-Bu^tNSPh)X.