BIS(ETA-HETEROARENE)TITANIUM COMPLEXES DERIVED FROM 2,4,6-TRI-TERT-BUTYLPYRIDINE AND 2,4,6-TRI-TERT-BUTYLPHOSPHORIN - CONFORMATIONAL PREFERENCE IN SOLUTION AND REDOX ACTIVITY

The complexes (Ti(NC(5)H(2)(t)Bu(3)-2,4,6)(2)] 1, and [Ti(PC(5)H(2)(t) Bu(3)-2,4,6)(2)] 2, have been synthesised in moderate yields via the c o-condensation reaction between titanium vapour and [NC(5)H(2)(t)Bu(3) -2,4,6] 3, or [PC(5)H(2)(t)Bu(3)-2,4,6] 4 respectively. The conformati on adopted by the molecules in solution has been investigated by NMR a nd is discussed in comparison with other first row transition metal bi s(heteroarene) complexes. Both 1 and 2 are found to exist entirely in the synclinal conformation. The reaction of 1 and 2 with potassium res ults in formation of the potassium salts K+[{Ti(NC(5)H(2)(t)Bu(3))(2)} (-)] 5, and K+[{Ti(PC(5)H(2)(t)Bu(3))(2)}(-)] 6 respectively.