Two new Ti−η6-arene complexes [(DMSC)Ti{η6-1,2,4-C6H3(SiMe3)3}] (6) and [(DMSC)Ti{η6-1,3,5-C6H3But 3}] (7) containing 1,2-alternate, Me2Si-bridged p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (DMSC) ancillary ligand have been synthesized. The solid-state structure of 6 revealed a highly folded arene ligand [with a dihedral angle of 29.7(7)°] and suggests that 6 is better described as a 7-titananorbornadiene species. Both 6 and 7 are efficient catalysts for highly regioselective [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes to yield 1,2,4-substituted benzenes. Kinetic studies of the catalytic [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of Me3SiC⋮CH revealed first-order dependence on [6] and [Me3SiC⋮CH]; and activation parameters, ΔH ⧧ = 14 kcal/mol, and ΔS⧧ = −11 cal/mol K, that are consistent with an associative mechanism. The reaction rate is influenced by the steric requirements of both the alkyne and the η6-arene compound. The high selectivity for 1,2,4-substituted benzene may be understood in terms of the directing influence of the DMSC ligand.

Hydrogen bonding is a topic which has received much attention over the years and continues to do so as the importance of such interactions is established in all areas of chemistry. The class of hydrogen bonds that directly involves electron-rich transition metal centres in the three-centre interaction has received little attention until quite recently. Such interactions are of importance in understanding intermolecular interactions between organometallic molecules and are particularly relevant to understanding proton transfer reactions that directly involve transition metal centres.

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