Nucleophilic scandium carbene complexes.

Using a geminal dianion as precursor, a nucleophilic scandium carbene complex (2) has been synthesized by salt metathesis on ScCl(3)(THF)(3) in 52% isolated yield. The X-ray structure as well as an NBO analysis points to a double interaction between the carbon and the scandium atoms. Quantification of the electron density donation from the carbon to the metal center, from both σ and π symmetry orbitals, predicts a "nucleophilic carbene" behavior.

Protodesilylation of 2,6-disubstituted silyphosphinines. Experimental and theoretical study.

2,6-Disilylphosphinines react with HCl in ethereal solution to cleanly yield the corresponding 2,6-unsubstituted derivatives. DFT calculations allowed rationalization of the mechanism of this protodesilylation.