Ketones as an oxolation source for the synthesis of titanium-oxo-organoclusters

Abstract

Two titanium-oxo clusters, [Ti3O(OPri)7(O3C9H15)] 1 and [Ti11O13(OPri)18] 2, have been obtained through the reactions of Ti(OPri)4 with ketones such as acetone, acetylacetone and diacetone alcohol. Complex 1 is composed of a trinuclear unit that is capped by a tridentate enolate ligand synthesized insitu. Complex 2 is a more condensed titanium cluster with a spherical oxo core. The titanium-oxo-organo cores of these clusters are preserved in solution as characterized by 17O, 13C, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The possible different reactions involved in the formation of these clusters are discussed.