As an alternative to the traditional
metallocene laboratory targets,
students synthesize Cp2TiCl2, bis(η
5
-cyclopentadienyl)dichloridotitanium(IV),
from the mildly moisture-sensitive cis-TiCl4(thf)2. Air-free handling techniques are emphasized, but
the (mostly) air-stable, diamagnetic product is then easily characterized
by NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry and infrared (IR)
spectroscopy. This student-generated product is then used as (1) a
starting material in the production of the difluoride analogue, Cp2TiF2, and (2) a catalyst for in situ formation of allyl zinc bromide for use in a simple, model Barbier
reaction. An additional supplement is also included in which students
model the title compound with varying hapticities of the cyclopentadienyl
rings. These data are aligned with experimental NMR and IR spectra
to support and explain students’ findings.