Zirconium complexes supported by a ferrocene-based ligand as redox switches for hydroamination reactions

Abstract

The synthesis of (thiolfan*)Zr(NEt₂)₂ (thiolfan* = 1,1′-bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-thiophenoxy)ferrocene) and its catalytic activity for intramolecular hydroamination are reported. In situ oxidation and reduction of the metal complex results in reactivity towards different substrates. The reduced form of (thiolfan*)Zr(NEt₂)₂ catalyzes hydroamination reactions of primary aminoalkenes, whereas the oxidized form catalyzes hydroamination reactions of secondary aminoalkenes.