Computational insight into the reductive oligomerisation of CO at uranium(iii) mixed-sandwich complexes†
Abstract
Calculations reveal a multistep pathway towards formation of linear [U]2-(μ-η1:η1-C2O2); [U] = U(η-C8H6{SiH3-1,4}2)(η-Cp). However formation of deltate-bridged [U]2-(μ-η1:η2-C3O3) requires an alternative mechanism, involving a side-on [U]2-(μ-η2:η2-CO) complex and whereby the bridging units of [U]2-(μ-η2:η2-CnOn) intermediates (n = 1, 2) react directly with free CO.