Synthesis and Catalytic Characteristics of Novel Constrained-Geometry Organoactinide Catalysts. The First Example of Actiniae-Mediated Intramolecular Hydroamination

The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a series of organoactinide constrained-geometry complexes, (CGC)An(NRR′)₂ (CGC = Me₂Si(η⁵-Me₄C₅)( ^tBuN); An = Th, 1; An = U, 2; R = R′ = Me, a; R = Et, R′ = Me, b; R = R′ = Et, c), are reported. These complexes are effective precatalysts for intramolecular catalytic hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkenes and aminoalkynes. Comparisons of structure and reactivity are drawn with previously reported trivalent organolanthanide CGC catalytic systems.