Intramolecular activation of pendant alkenyl group as a tool for modification of the zirconocene framework

► Activation of a diphenylzirconocene bearing alkenyl group led to a tethered zirconaindane. ► The tethered zirconaindane undergoes nucleophilic attack at Zr-C bonds. ► Nucleophilic reactions provided functionalised zirconocenes.