Synthesis and crystal structure of one carbon-atom bridged lutetium complex [Ph2C(Flu)(Cp)]LuN(TMS)2 and catalytic activity for polymerization of polar monomers

The one-carbon atom bridged amide complex [Ph2C(Flu)(Cp)]LuN(TMS)2 (2) (Flu=C13H8, Cp=C5H4, TMS=SiMe3) has been synthesized by reaction of its chloride precursor with LiN(TMS)2 in toluene. An X-ray structure of the amide complex 2 exhibits apparently intramolecular βSiC agostic interaction with Lu. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and lactones with this complex has also been investigated.