A new half-sandwich Yb(II) complex with the tridentate cyclopentadienyl ligand [C5H4CH2CH(O)CH2OBun]2−: synthesis, self-assembly of a tetranuclear cubane-like framework {[(η5-C5H4)CH2CH(μ3:η1-O)CH2OBun]Yb}4 and oxidative alkylation by Me2Hg to the Yb(III)

The synthesis and crystal structure of the tetranuclear Yb(II) half-sandwich complex {[(η5-C5H4)CH2CH(μ3:η1-O)CH2OBun]Yb}4 (1) are presented. Redox transmetalation reaction of 1 with Me2Hg yields a methyl derivative of trivalent ytterbium, [(η5-C5H4)CH2CH(η1-O)CH2OBun]YbMe(THF) (2). Complex 2 is shown to possess a low catalytic activity in propylene polymerization.