Zr(C5H5)(6,6-dmch)(PMe3)2, an edge-bridged half-open zirconocene—synthesis, structure, and its reaction with C6H5C2SiMe3

The synthesis and characterization of an edge-bridged half-open zirconocene, Zr(C5H5)(dmch)(PMe3)2 (dmch=dimethylcyclohexadienyl), are described. As expected, the ZrC bond distances for the dmch ligand are significantly shorter than those for the C5H5 ligand. The compound readily incorporates 2 equiv. of alkyne, with loss of the PMe3 ligands, leading to a zirconacyclopentadiene complex, so that the dmch ligand has remained intact.