Transition metal complexes with functionalized silyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl and related ligands: synthesis and reactivity

Abstract

Interest in modifying transition metal complexes using substituted cyclopentadienyl rings has been stimulated in the last years by their potential synthetic and catalytic applications in different processes. This review will feature mono- and dicyclopentadienyl-transition metal complexes containing silyl-cyclopentadienyl and related indenyl and fluorenyl ligands. All of these compounds contain silyl-substituted functionalities which are able to coordinate the metal center or used to introduce such a type of ligating moieties. The synthesis and chemical behaviour of these types of compounds are strongly emphasized. Compounds discussed are all those containing silicon-bound substituents which include: (a) hydrosilyl (Si–H); (b) halosilyl (Si–X); oxosilyl (Si–O); (c) amino– and amido–silyl (Si–N); (d) alkyl– and alkenyl–silyl (Si–C) and (d) boron–silyl (Si–B) compounds. A brief remark on their most significant structural characteristics is also included.