Metallocenes of Nb and Ta with η2-Se2H, SeH, and Se Ligands – Crystal Structures of [Cp′2Ta(SeH)H2] and [Cp′2Ta(=Se)H·W(CO)5] (Cp′ =tBuC5H4)

Abstract

The reactions of [Cp#2NbBH4] (1) [Cp# = C5Me5 (Cp*) or C5Me4Et] and [Cp′2TaH3] (Cp′ = tBuC5H4) with elemental selenium give complexes of the general composition [Cp2MSe2H]. These exist in three isomeric forms, A–C, depending on the metal and the chalcogen. [Cp#2NbSe2H] (2) incorporates the novel η2-Se2H ligand (C), which is labile when exposed to light. Solutions of 2(Cp*) can be converted into [Cp*2NbSe2H] (3), which exists in two isomeric forms A or B, along with [Cp*2NbSe3H] (4) and [Cp*2NbO2H] (5). [Cp′2Ta(η2-Se2)H] (6) is the only isomer found for the Ta system. Se abstraction by means of P(OEt)3 gives [Cp′2Ta(=Se)H] (7). Complex 7 can be reduced with Na/Hg and subsequently hydrolysed to give [Cp′2Ta(SeH)H2] (8), which has also been observed during the formation of 6. Coordination of [W(CO)5THF] at the Se lone pair of 7 affords the heterobimetallic complex 9. All compounds have been characterized by means of 1H- and, in some cases, 77Se-NMR spectroscopy. Products 8 and 9 have also been subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis.