Anion-induced disproportionation of Th(iii) complexes to form Th(ii) and Th(iv) products

Abstract

A new synthesis of Th(II) complexes has been identified involving addition of simple MX salts (M = Li, Na, K; X = H, Cl, Me, N₃) to Cp′′₃Th^III [Cp′′ = [C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂] in the presence of 18-crown-6 or 2.2.2-cryptand, forming [M(chelate)][Cp′′₃Th^II] and Cp′′₃Th^IVX. Cp^tet₃Th^III (Cp^tet = C₅Me₄H) reacts with KH to form Cp^tet₃Th^IVH and the C–H bond activation product, [K(crypt)]{[Cp^tet₂Th^IVH[η¹:η⁵-C₅Me₃H(CH₂)]}.