Evidence for the formation of a tantalum(IV) arene species from arene-alkyl complexes of tantalum(III)

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00058a001

Alkylation of tantalum(III) arene complexes affords stable dialkyl and monoalkyl halide species (η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ta(DIPP)R₂ (DIPP = 2,6-diisopropylphenoxide) and (η⁶C₆Me₆)Ta(DIPP)RX. The alkyl hydride complexes (η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ta(DIPP)R(H) are also prepared from (η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ta(DIPP)RX and LiBEt₃H. The arene ring in (η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ta(DIPP)Et₂ exhibits a structure consistent with a diene-diyl distortion. The first evidence for the formation of a d¹ arene species is presented in cyclic voltammetry experiments on these compounds.