Synthesis and molecular structure of [(t-C4H9C5H4) 2Yb(THF) 2][BPh4] · THF and its catalytic activity for the polymerization of styrene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(96)06901-X

The complex of [(t-C₄H₉C₅H₄)₂Yb(THF)₂][BPh₄] · THF (1) has been synthesized by one-electron oxidation of (t-C₄H₉C₅H₄)₂Yb(THF)₂ (2) with AgBPh₄. 1 crystallized from THF-toluene in space group P2/n (#13) with unit cell constants: a = 12.362(9) A, b= 14.855(5) A, c = 14.093(6) A, β = 109.20(4)°, V= 2444(2) A³ and Z=2 for D_calc = 1.292 g cm^-3. Least squares refinement of the model based on 2257 observed reflections led to final R of 0.046. This complex shows catalytic activity for the polymerization of styrene at high temperature.