Synthesis and structure of [Cp2Zr(OPri)(HOPri)]+ and its activity in the polymerisation of propene oxide

The reaction of Cp2Zr(OPri)2 with [H(OEt2)2][H2N{B(C6F5)3}2] in dichloromethane at room temperature gives [Cp2Zr(OPri)(HOPri)]+[H2N{B(C6F5)3}2]− · Et2O in high yield. The crystal structure is reported. The complex contains a short Zr-alkoxide and a longer Zr-alcohol bond; the OH group of the coordinated isopropanol is hydrogen-bonded to a diethyl ether molecule. The complex initiates the polymerisation of propylene oxide, most probably via a cationic mechanism.