Ring opening of aromatic heterocycles by uranium complexes

The reactivity of a uranium dibenzyl complex supported by a ferrocene-diamide ligand toward aromatic N-heterocycles was investigated. Although ring opening occurred, a complicated behavior was observed with 1-methylbenzimidazole and benzoxazole. On the other hand, when a uranium benzyl η2-N,C-benzimidazole complex reacted with quinoline, alkyl transfer to the pyridine ring was observed.