Synthesis and properties of some titanium and zirconium benzyl derivatives

Syntheses of Ti(CH2C6H5)4 (I), Zr(CH2C6H5)4 (IX) and their halogen and alkoxy derivatives are described. Their physical properties and reactivity with H2, O2, CO2 and olefins has been investigated. Spectroscopic and chemical data are consistent with the σ-nature of the metal-carbon bond. (I) and (IX) react in a different way with Al(CH2C6H5)3 to form polynuclear complexes.