Some alkyl olefin cobalt complexes and their reactions with olefins

Abstract

The complexes [Co(C 5Me 4Et)LMe 2] (I, L  C 2H 4; II, L  C 3H 6; III, L  Ph 3P) are reported, which undergo reactions with olefins. Following olefin exchange, I and II react with C 2H 3R giving [Co(C 5Me 4Et) (C 2H 3R) 2], CH 4 and CH 2 CMER (R  H or Me). The strong stereochemical specificity, together with deuteration experiments and 1H NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture all point to a simple olefin insertion reaction mechanism. Variable temperature 1H NMR shows olefin rotation in I.