Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization activity of the scandium half-sandwich complex [Sc(η5-C5Me 4{SiMe2(C6F5)})(CH 2SiMe3)2(THF)]

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/zaac.200600144

The scandium half-sandwich (bis)alkyl complex [Sc(η⁵-C ₅Me₄{SiMe₂(C₆F₅)}) (CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF)] has been prepared by σ-bond metathesis between [Sc(CH₂SiMe₃) ₃(THF)₂] and C₅Me₄H{SiMe ₂(C₆F₅)}. Structural characterization by single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the typical piano-stool geometry for this type of complex. The addition of [Ph₃C][B(C₆F ₅)] resulted in the formation of a half-sandwich alkyl cation which is an efficient catalyst for the syndiospecific polymerization of styrene in the presence of aluminium alkyls.