Asymmetric alkylmethyl zirconocene derivatives were readily synthesised from Cp(2)ZrCl(CH(3)), and the appropriate alkyllithium reagent. The alkyl groups contain a silyl functionality on the beta-position. These asymmetric dialkyl zirconocenes were successfully activated by B(C(6)F(5))(3), selectively abstracting the methyl group. The clear difference in the (13)C NMR resonances, due to the alkyl groups on the cationic zirconocene made it possible to conclude that selective activation of this class of compounds was possible. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.
Asymmetric alkylmethyl zirconocene derivatives were readily synthesised from Cp(2)ZrCl(CH(3)), and the appropriate alkyllithium reagent. The alkyl groups contain a silyl functionality on the beta-position. These asymmetric dialkyl zirconocenes were successfully activated by B(C(6)F(5))(3), selectively abstracting the methyl group. The clear difference in the (13)C NMR resonances, due to the alkyl groups on the cationic zirconocene made it possible to conclude that selective activation of this class of compounds was possible. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.