C,N-chelated dicyclopentadienylzirconium complexes and their possible use as hydrogenation catalysts

In situ generated Cp2Zr(n-Bu)Cl (6) reacts with {2-[(CH3)2NCH2]C6H4}2Pb to form exclusively {2-[(CH3)2NCH2]C6H4}Cp2ZrCl (7), [(CH3)2NCH2]C6H5, butene and elemental lead. The further derivatization of chloride (7) to fluoride (8), hydride (9), methyl derivative (10), and a reduction of 7 are also described. The crystal structures of 7–10 were determined. The catalytic activity of 9 and 10 in hydrogenation of styrene was also preliminarily tested.