The Chemistry of Ca^II and Yb^II: Astoundingly Similar But Not Equal!

Abstract

Not a red/green stereographic, but a plot showing the striking similarity between a Ca and Yb complex. The molecular structures, and the NMR and IR spectra of these Ca/Yb benzyl complexes are nearly identical. However, their reactivity in styrene polymerization is completely different: an internally coordinated dibenzylytterbium(II) complex produces polystyrene of high syndiotacticity (r=94.9 %, rr=90.0 %). Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2004/z53557_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.