Tin(II) tert-butoxide-catalyzed routes to homoleptic Group 4 and -5 tert-butoxides: The solid-state structure of Nb(OtBu)5

The homoleptic Group 4 and -5 metal tert-butoxides Ti(OtBu)4, Zr(OtBu)4, and Nb(OtBu)5 were synthesized at room temperature from NaOtBu and [TiCl4(THF)2], cis-[ZrCl4(THF)2], and [NbCl4(THF)2], respectively. All reactions were catalyzed by Na[Sn(OtBu)3]. The solid-state structure of trigonal–bipyramidal Nb(OtBu)5 was determined by single-crystal X-ray methods.

Homoleptic tert-butoxides of Group 4 and -5 metals were previously accessible only under forcing conditions or in multi-step procedures. Catalytic amounts of Na[Sn(OtBu)3] allow the syntheses of these compounds at RT and below in one step from the transition-metal halides and NaOtBu. The crystal structure of trigonal-bipyramidal Nb(OtBu)5 is reported.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide