Dynamic kinetic resolution of metallocenes: Self-assembly of bimetallic ansa-metallocenes

T. Keith Hollis, and Li-Sheng Wang, Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, Fax: 909-787-2435, keith.hollis@ucr.edu

In the process of developing efficient routes to organometallic catalysts of import, we have developed a synthesis of a Rh-bridged phosphazirconocene dichloride. We have also developed a synthesis of a chiral phosphazirconocene. During the course of studying this compound we discovered that it thermally isomerizes. Utilizing this property we have developed a dynamic kinetic resolution of phosphazirconocenes employing chiral Rh-phosphine complexes. Under certain conditions the phosphazirconocene reacts selectively with the Rh complex yielding only one diastereomer of the bimetallic ansa-metallocene. Our latest findings regarding these complexes will be presented.