Synthesis and reactions of titanium-nitrogen multiple bonds

Thesis

This Thesis reports the synthesis and reactions of new hydrazide, alkoxyimide and benzimidamide complexes (L)Ti=NX (X = NAr2, NOtBu or C(Ar)NO^tBu; L = dianionic supporting ligand or ligand set). The work is supported by DFT calculations which are used to rationalise the reaction outcomes observed and, in one case, the bonding in alkoxyimide complexes.

Chapter One provides a background to hydrazide complexes, starting with their relevance to nitrogen fixation. In addition, Group 4 imide, alkylidene hydrazide and alkoxyimide complexes are also reviewed. The Chapter focuses in particular on the synthesis, structure, and stoichiometric and catalytic reactions of these complexes with unsaturated substrates.

Chapter Two describes the development of the virtually unexplored 1,2-diamination reaction. The substrate scope and isolation of the vinylamine products are discussed. The protonation of the vinylimide complex Ti(N2N^Me){NC(Ph)C(Me)NPh2}(py) and the overall diamination reaction itself is then explored through an in-depth experimental and computational study.

Chapter Three details the synthesis of cyclopentadienyl-amidinate supported alkoxyimide complexes. The first detailed reactivity study, supported by structural and computational studies, of any alkoxyimide complex is reported. Novel reactivity at Ti=Nα and, in one instance, Nα–Oβ reductive bond cleavage is observed.

Chapter Four describes the reactivity of the benzimidamide complex Cp*Ti{PhC(NⁱPr)2}{NC(Ar^F5)NO^tBu} with a range of substrates including heterocumulenes, aldehydes, isonitriles and B(Ar^F5)3. Novel reactivity at Ti=Nα, and 3-component coupling is presented, and the experimental results supported by structural and computational studies.

Chapter Five presents full experimental procedures and characterising data for the new complexes reported.

Authors: Groom, LR

• Publication date: 2014
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-e24j50jev
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: titanium-nitrogen multiple bonds; diamination; alkoxyimide; benzimidamide; hydrazide
• Subjects: Organometallic Chemistry