Borata-Alkene Derived Syntheses of (F₅C₆)₂B‑Substituted Bis(indenyl) Group 4 Metal Complexes

An indene based borata-alkene was used as a reagent for the synthesis of B­(C₆F₅)₂-functionalized group 4 bent-metallocene complexes. The respective borata-alkene was prepared by HB­(C₆F₅)₂ hydroboration of dimethylbenzofulvene followed by deprotonation with lithium tetramethylpiperidide. Treatment of CpTiCl₃ or CpZrCl₃ with the borata-alkene gave the respective [(C₆F₅)₂B-indenyl]­CpMCl₂ bent-metallocene complexes. Both were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The boryl-functionalized metallocenes gave active ethene or propene polymerization catalysts, respectively, upon activation with triethylaluminum.