Mixed Methyl/Chlorido Yttrium(III) Complexes Supported by a Neutral Tridentate N-Donor Ligand

Trimethylyttrium, supported by the neutral tridentate ligand Me3TACN (1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), is readily synthesized from (Me3TACN)YCl3 (via salt metathesis with MeLi in THF) or [YMe3]n (via Me3TACN-donor addition in toluene). Such discrete complex (Me3TACN)YMe3 reacts with trimethylchlorosilane according to a silane elimination protocol, affording well-defined mixed methyl/chlorido complexes of the composition [(Me3TACN)YMe3–xClx] (x = 1, 2, 3). All complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, homo- and heteronuclear NMR (especially 89Y) and FTIR spectroscopies, and elemental analysis. The reaction of heteroleptic complex [(Me3TACN)YMe2Cl] with dibenzyl ketone was investigated.