This report details the synthesis
and characterization of a series
of Nb complexes and one tantalum complex supported by the [CF3–ONO]3– trianionic pincer-type ligand.
Access to the trianionic Nb dichloride complex, [CF3–ONO]NbCl2(OEt2) (3-Et
2
O), allows for the synthesis of Nb-dialkyl complexes,
[CF3–ONO]NbR2 (where R = benzyl (5), neopentylsilyl (6), neophyl (7)). The sterically encumbered Nb-neophyl complex (7)
is thermally stable and fails to convert to the alkylidene even in
the presence of donor ligands. Complex 7, however, promotes
catalytic ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene,
suggesting the plausible intermediacy of a Nb-alkylidene. The corresponding
Ta analogue, [CF3–ONO]Ta(CH2C(CH3)2(C6H5))2 (9), requires dramatically higher temperatures to initiate
ROMP and provides poor yields of polymer. Complexes 5 and 6 also promote ROMP of norbornene. Characterization
of all new complexes includes multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and combustion
analysis. For complex 7, characterization also includes
solid-state structure elucidation via a single crystal X-ray diffraction
experiment.