Hexadecahydrotetrabenzo[a,c,d,f]fluorene – Ligand, available by Friedel–Crafts fluorene cycloalkylation. Synthesis, crystal and molecular structure of (η5-C29H34)(η5-C5H5)ZrCl2

Friedel–Crafts cycloalkylation of fluorene with 1,4-dichlorobutane has been studied in different conditions. This reaction allows to obtain the product of exhausting fluorene alkylation, hexadecahydrotetrabenzo[a,c,d,f]fluorene – perspective η5 ligand. The simplest zirconocene has been synthesized and its structure has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecule of this compound possesses skewed conformation of metallocene fragment with the phenylene moiety of fluorenyl ligand oriented towards the front side of metallocene wedge.

Graphical abstractFriedel–Crafts cycloalkylation of fluorene with 1,4-dichlorobutane allows to obtain the product of exhausting fluorene alkylation, hexadecahydrotetrabenzo[a,c,d,f]fluorene – perspective η5 ligand. The simplest zirconocene has been synthesized and its structure has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Mixed fluorenyl-containing zirconium complexes demonstrates high activity in alkene polymerization. ► The presence of alkyl substituents in fluorenyl fragments in some cases increases the activity of catalysts. ► Direct fluorene alkylation is one of the most perspective synthetic approaches. ► Direct exhausting fluorene alkylation by 1,4-dichlorobutane leads in hexadecahydrotetrabenzo[a,c,d,f]fluorene - new perspective ligand.