Catalytic activity of cyclopentadienyl titanium complexes in isotopic exchange reactions of aromatic hydrocarbons with molecular deuterium

Abstract

1. Dimethyl-and diaryltitanocenes Cp2TiR2 (R=CH3, C6H5, p-CH3C6H4) are capable of activating aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, anisole, and fluorobenzene) toward isotopic exchange with D2 at 130°C. 2. In the case of toluene both the aromatic ring as well as the methyl group undergo exchange. Deuterium in the aromatic ring is located only in the p- and m-positions. 3. In the indicated series of aromatic compounds, the nature of the substituent has only a small effect on the relative rate of isotopic exchange in the ring.