Synthesis and structural characterization of (pyrazolyl)alkenyl Fischer carbene complexes of chromium and tungsten

Michael addition of substituted pyrazoles 2 to 1-alkynyl Fischer carbene complexes (CO)(5)M=C(OEt)(CdropCPh) (1) (a, M = Cr and b M = W) afforded (pyrazolyl)alkenyl Fischer carbene complexes (CO)(5)M=C(OEt)(CH=C(R(1)R(2)R(3)pz)Ph) (R(1)R(2)R(3)pz = pyrazolyl) 3 (M = Cr) and 4 (M = W), respectively, with an exclusive (E)-configuration in mild to excellent yields. The reaction of la and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (2b) was monitored to demonstrate the formation and decomposition of complex 3b by H-1 NMR measurements in CDCl3 at 23degreesC. Complexes 3 and 4 were characterized with H-1, C-13{H-1} NMR, IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. When the substituted pyrazoles were 3-methylpyrazole (2a) and 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole (2d), molecular structures of the corresponding (pyrazolyl)alkenyl Fischer carbene complexes 3a and 4d were characterized by X-ray crystallographic study. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.