Yttrium-Alkyl Complexes Supported by a Ferrocene-Based Phosphinimine Ligand

The synthesis and characterization of two yttrium alkyl complexes supported by a bisphosphinimine ferrocene ligand, NPfc (1,1′-di­(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-diphenylphosphiniminophenoxy)­ferrocene), were accomplished. Although (NPfc)­Y­(CH2Ph) and (NPfc)Y­(CH2SiMe3) could be structurally characterized, these compounds are thermally sensitive and decompose at ambient temperature within hours. Their characterization was accomplished by NMR spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, and elemental analysis. Reactivity studies were also carried out; however, the lack of prolonged thermal stability at ambient temperature of these molecules led to decomposition before a clean transformation to reaction products could be observed.