| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1304181 | Inorganic Chemistry Communications | 2011 | 4 Pages |
Treatment of ThCl4(tmeda)2 with 3 equiv of [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]K in toluene under reflux gives the tris-Cp chloride complex [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]3ThCl (1) in 75% yield. The chlorine atom can be replaced by other groups via metathesis reactions. For example, reaction of 1 with an excess of KH in toluene under reflux affords the hydride complex [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]3ThH (2) in 68% yield. Complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Complex 2 is an active catalyst for the polymerization of rac-lactide, leading to the atactic polylactides with high molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions.
Graphical abstractA new organothorium hydride complex has been prepared and structurally characterized. It is an active catalyst for the polymerization of rac-lactide, leading to the atactic polylactides.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new organothorium hydride complex has been prepared and structurally characterized. ► It is an active catalyst for the polymerization of rac-lactide, leading to the atactic polylactides. ► The first example of the polymerization of lactide initiated by organoactinide complex has been reported.
