Rare-earth-metallocene alkylaluminates trigger distinct tetrahydrofuran activation

Abstract

Thermal treatment of Cp*₂YMe(thf) (Cp* = C₅Me₅), obtained from Cp*₂Y(AlMe₄) via donor-induced AlMe₃ cleavage, in THF resulted in the concomitant formation of vinyl oxide Cp*₂Y(OC₂H₃)(thf) and 2-ethylene-tetrahydrofuranyl complex Cp*₂Y(2-C₂H₄-OC₄H₇) via the release of methane. In stark contrast, dissolving Cp*₂La(AlMe₄) in THF/n-hexane led to the quantitative formation of AlMe₃-stabilized 2-tetrahydrofuranyl complex Cp*₂La(2-AlMe₃-OC₄H₇), with methane elimination.