Dimetalloxycarbene: synthesis, characterization, and reactivity

This dissertation contributes to the CO2 activation chemistry by metal complexes. The work draws a link between the coordination of CO2 and its further reactivity. The tris(anilide) systems of titanium and molybdenum are chosen for detailed studies on CO2 stabilization and conversion. Direct treatment of the low-valent titanium tris(anilide) complex with CO2 has led to te insertion into the metal-ligand bonds. Deprotonation of the respective titanium formate complex has only caused subsequent carbon monoxide cleavage. Herein, the formate moiety is stabilized by a Lewis acid, thus generating the symmetric cationic formate-bridged dititanium complex. Itsdeprotonation results the the dititanoxycarbene complex. The existence of the transient free carbene isomer is further rationalized.