Synthesis of asymmetric β-hydroxy-cyclopentadienyl ligands and of their bidentate lanthanide complexes

The synthesis of novel asymmetric beta-hydroxy-cyclopentadienyl ligands C5H5CH2CH(R-1)OH (R-1 = Me, CH2OMe, Ph), obtained by the nucleophilic ring opening reaction of enantiopure epoxides by cyclopentadienyl anion is described. The metallation of these ligands by sodium or potassium metals or by butyl lithium leads to the formation of bis alkaline metals derivatives [C5H4CH2CH(R-1)O]M-2 (M = Li, Na, K). Complexes (S)-C5H4CH2CH(Me)OLaI(THF)(2) and (S)-C5H4CH2CH(Me)OSmI(THF) are synthesized from the bis potassium salt and lanthanum or samarium iodides in good yields. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.