Rhodium-Catalyzed Olefin Dimerization

This invention relates to a process for the rhodium-catalyzed linear dimerization of terminal olefins.

The dimerization and codimerization of .alpha.-olefinic compounds in the presence of a group VIII noble metal salt is disclosed by Alderson (U.S. Pat. No. 3,013,066). The dimerization and codimerization of alkenes and alkyl acrylates in the presence of rhodium trichloride is disclosed by Alderson et al. (J. Amer. Chem Soc. 1965, 87, 5638-5645)

Nugent et al. (J. Molecular Catalysis 1985, 29, 65-76) disclose a process for the linear dimerization of alkyl acrylates using chlorobis(ethylene)rhodium(I) dimer in combination with a Lewis acid promoter and a proton source.

Singleton (U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,084) discloses a process for dimerizing a lower alkyl acrylate or a lower alkyl methacrylate to the corresponding dialkyl hexenedioates and dialkyl 2,5-dimethylhexenedioates by contact with a catalyst prepared by reacting chlorobis(ethylene)rhodium(I) dimer and silver tetrafluoroborate.

Brookhart et al. (J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 1988, 110, 8719-8720) disclose the use of a cationic rhodium catalyst containing a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand in the dimerization of ethylene to butenes.

This invention provides a process for preparing functionalized linear olefins which comprises reacting a first olefin, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2, with a second olefin, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4, in the presence of a cationic rhodium compound, [L.sup.1 RhL.sup.2 L.sup.3 R].sup.+ X.sup.- ; wherein

R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, phenyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 alkyl-substituted phenyl, --COOR.sup.5, --C(O)NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, and --C(O)H;

R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of --COOR.sup.8, --C(O)NR.sup.9 R.sup.10, and --C(O)H;

R.sup.5 and R.sup.8 are independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.9, and R.sup.10 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

L.sup.1 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 are neutral 2-electron donor ligands;

R is selected from the group of H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, and C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 aralkyl ligands;

X.sup.- is a non-coordinating anion; and

wherein two or three of L.sup.2, L.sup.3 and R are optionally connected.

This invention also provides novel compounds, I and II, which are useful in the process of this invention, ##STR1## where L.sup.4 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

L.sup.5 is a neutral 2-electron donor ligand;

R.sup.11 is selected from the group of C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

[X.sup.1 ].sup.- is a non-coordinating anion;

L.sup.6 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl; and

[X.sup.2 ].sup.- is a non-coordinating anion.

The process of this invention can be used to homodimerize or codimerize functionalized terminal olefins in a linear, tail-to-tail fashion, or to dimerize functionalized terminal olefins with terminal alkenes. The products of the process of this invention are linear, functionalized olefins in which a carbon-carbon bond has been formed between the methylene carbons of the olefin reactants. Specific examples of useful products include dialkyl hexenedioates, which are precursors to adipic acid.

In the process of this invention, a linear functionalized olefin is prepared by reacting a first terminal olefin, CH.sub.2 .dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2, with a second terminal olefin, CH.sub.2 .dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4, in the presence of a cationic rhodium compound, [L.sup.1 RhL.sup.2 L.sup.3 R].sup.+ X.sup.- ; wherein

R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, phenyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 alkyl-substituted phenyl, --COOR.sup.5, --C(O)NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, and --C(O)H;

R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of --COOR.sup.8, --C(O)NR.sup.9 R.sup.10, and --C(O)H;

R.sup.5 and R.sup.8 are independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.9, and R.sup.10 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

L.sup.1 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 are neutral 2-electron donor ligands;

R is selected from the group of H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, and C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 aralkyl ligands;

X.sup.- is a non-coordinating anion; and

wherein two or three of L.sup.2, L.sup.3 and R are optionally connected.

Suitable terminal olefins, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2, include: ethylene; terminal alkenes containing 3-12 carbon atoms, e.g., propene, 1-butene, isoprene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, and 1-heptene; styrene; 4-methylstyrene; alkyl acrylates, where the alkyl group contains 1-10 carbon atoms, e.g., methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate; methyl methacrylate; acrylamide; methacrylamide; N-alkyl acrylamides, where the alkyl group contains 1-10 carbon atoms, e.g., N-methylacrylamide; N-methyl methacrylamide; N,N-dialkyl acrylamides, where the alkyl groups contain 1-10 carbon atoms, e.g., N,N-dimethylacrylamide; acrolein; and methacrolein.

Suitable functionalized terminal olefins, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4, include: alkyl acrylates, where the alkyl group contains 1-10 carbon atoms, e.g., methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate; methyl methacrylate; acrylamide; methacrylamide; N-alkyl acrylamides, where the alkyl group contains 1-10 carbon atoms, e.g., N-methylacrylamide; N-methyl methacrylamide; N,N-dialkyl acrylamides, where the alkyl groups contain 1-10 carbon atoms, e.g., N,N-dimethylacrylamide; acrolein; and methacrolein.

Preferably, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 is ethylene, propylene, styrene, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, acrolein, or N,N-dimethyl acrylamide. Preferably, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4 is methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, acrolein, or N,N-dimethyl acrylamide. More preferably, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 is ethylene, styrene, methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate and H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4 is methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate. Most preferably, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 and H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4 are both either methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate.

The terminal olefins, H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 and H.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4, can be chosen to be the same or different olefins to give, respectively, homodimers or codimers. The efficiency of the production of codimers may depend on the specific olefins chosen, and thus it may be necessary to use a large excess of one of the olefins to obtain the desired codimer.

The cationic rhodium compound used in the process of this invention can be formed in one of several ways. A particularly convenient route involves reacting a precursor, L.sup.1 RhL.sup.2' L.sup.3', with an acid, H.sup.+ X.sup.-, where

L.sup.1 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

L.sup.2' and L.sup.3' are neutral, 2-electron donor ligands, or L.sup.2' and L.sup.3' are connected to form a neutral, 4-electron ligand; and

X.sup.- is a non-coordinating anion.

For example, Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 reacts with HBF.sub.4 to give ##STR2## which is useful in the process of this invention. (Cp* is pentamethylcyclopentadienyl.) Similarly, compound Ia (L.sup.4 is Cp*; L.sup.5 is P(OMe).sub.3 ; R.sup.11 is Me; and [X.sup.1 ].sup.- is BF.sub.4.sup.-) can be made by reacting HBF.sub.4 with Cp*Rh(P(OMe).sub.3)(CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 Me). In these routes to cationic rhodium compounds, suitable acids, H.sup.+ X.sup.-, include: HBF.sub.4 ; HPF.sub.6 ; H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 ; CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H; CF.sub.3 CO.sub.2 H; and tetraarylboronic acids, e.g., HBPh.sub.4 and HB(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl).sub.4.

Alternatively, L.sup.1 RhL.sup.2' (R)Y, where Y is a halide and L.sup.1, L.sup.2', and R are as defined above, can be reacted with a Lewis acid in the presence of an olefin to form a cationic rhodium compound which is useful in the process of this invention. For example, Cp*Rh(P(OMe).sub.3)(Me)Br could be reacted with AgBF.sub.4 in the presence of methyl acrylate to give the desired cationic rhodium compound, [Cp*Rh(P(OMe).sub.3)(CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 Me)(Me)].sup.+ BF.sub.4.sup.-. In catalyst preparations of this type, suitable Lewis acids include: Ag.sup.+ X.sup.-, AIX".sub.3, BX".sub.3, FeX".sub.3, and SbX".sub.5, where X" is halide.

In a third general route, precursors such as [L.sup.1 RhL.sup.2' L.sup.4 ].sup.+, where L.sup.4 is a .pi.-allylic ligand and L.sup.1 and L.sup.2' are as defined above, can be reacted with H.sub.2 to give cationic rhodium compounds which are useful in the process of this invention. For example, compounds of the class [Cp*Rh(MeOC(O)CH.sub.2 CHCHCHCO.sub.2 Me)].sup.+ X.sup.- III, ##STR3## can be reacted with hydrogen to give cationic rhodium compounds which are useful in the process of this invention. A particularly useful precursor of this type is [Cp*Rh(MeOC(O)CH.sub.2 CHCHCHCO.sub.2 Me)].sup.+ [B{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}.sub.4 ].sup.- IIIa.

In all of these rhodium compounds, suitable pentahapto ligands, L.sup.1, L.sup.4 and L.sup.6 include: cyclopentadienyl and substituted derivatives of cyclopentadienyl containing 1-5 substitutents chosen from C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, trifluoromethyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, COOR.sup.14 (where R.sup.14 C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl), and C(O)R.sup.15 (where R.sup.15 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl); indenyl; fluorenyl; and carboranyl ligands such as (7,8,9,10,11-.eta.)undecahydro-7,8-dicarbaundecaborato(2-) and (7,8,9,10,11-.eta.)undecahydro-7,9-dicarbaundecaborato(2-). Preferably, L.sup.1, L.sup.4 and L.sup.6 are alkyl-substituted derivatives of cyclopentadienyl; most preferably, L.sup.1, L.sup.4 and L.sup.6 are pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*).

Suitable neutral, 2-electron donors, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.2', L.sup.3', and L.sup.5 include: carbon monoxide; alkyl-, aryl-, or mixed alkyl,arylphosphines (e.g., trimethylphosphine, triphenylphosphine, or diethylphenylphosphine); alkyl-, aryl-, or mixed alkyl,arylphosphites (e.g., trimethylphosphite, triphenylphosphite, or dimethylphenylphosphite); olefins (e.g., ethylene, propylene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, or dimethyl hexenedioate); nitriles (e.g., acetonitrile or benzonitrile); and the carbonyl groups of ketones (e.g., acetone) and esters (e.g., methyl acrylate). L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 can be the same or different, provided that if L.sup.2 is a phosphine or phosphite, then L.sup.3 is not a phosphine or phosphite. Similarly, L.sup.2' and L.sup.3' can be the same or different, but cannot both be phosphine or phosphite ligands. Preferred 2-electron donors include carbon monoxide, ethylene, trimethylphosphite, methylacrylate and dimethyl hexenedioate.

Alternatively, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3, or L.sup.2' and L.sup.3', may be connected to form a neutral 4-electron donor ligand which contains two 2-electron-donor sites (olefin, phosphine, phosphite, nitrile or carbonyl groups). Suitable 4-electron-donor ligands of this type include: butadiene, 1,5-pentadiene, methyl vinyl ketone and acrylonitrile. Similarly, R and L.sup.2 (or L.sup.2') can be connected, as in ##STR4## Other suitable connected ligand systems include those in which L.sup.2' and L.sup.4 are connected (as in compound III), and those in which R is connected to L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 (as in [Cp*Rh{CH(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 C(O)OMe)(CH.sub.2 C(O)OMe)}].sup.+ X.sup.- (IIa), where L.sup.6 is Cp*, and R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are Me).

Suitable R groups include: H; C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isoproyl, and butyl); C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl (e.g., phenyl, p-tolyl, and 3,5-dimethylphenyl); and C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 aralkyl (e.g., benzyl, and --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Ph).

[X].sup.-, [X.sup.1 ].sup.-, and [X.sup.2 ].sup.- are anions which do not coordinate to the cationic rhodium compounds, and include BF.sub.4 -, PF.sub.6 -, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 -, and tetraaryl borates such as [B{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}.sub.4 ].sup.- and BPh.sub.4 -.

The novel compounds, I and II, ##STR5## where L.sup.4 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

L.sup.5 is a neutral 2-electron donor ligand;

R.sup.11 is selected from the group of C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl;

[X.sup.1 ].sup.- is a non-coordinating anion;

L.sup.6 is an anionic pentahapto ligand;

R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl; and

[X.sup.2 ].sup.- is a non-coordinating anion

are among the preferred cationic rhodium compounds for use in this invention. Preferably R.sup.11, R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are methyl or ethyl, and [X.sup.2 ].sup.- is a non-coordinating anion such as BF.sub.4 -, PF.sub.6 -, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 -, BPh.sub.4 -, or [B{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}.sub.4 ].sup.-. BF.sub.4 - and [B{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}.sub.4 ].sup.- are most preferred. Most preferably, L.sup.5 is CO or trimethylphosphite.

Other preferred cationic rhodium compounds include: ##STR6## where X.sup.- is a non-coordinating anion such as BF.sub.4 - PF.sub.6 -, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 -, BPh.sub.4 -, or [B{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl}.sub.4 ].sup.-. BF.sub.4 - and [B{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}.sub.4 ].sup.- are most preferred.

The cationic rhodium compound can be prepared in situ in the presence of the olefin(s) to be dimerized, or it can be prepared separately and then added to the olefin(s).

The amount of cationic rhodium compound used is not critical. Molar ratios of olefin/Rh of 2/1 to 10,000/1 have been demonstrated, and higher ratios are possible.

Suitable solvents for the process of this invention are those in which the catalyst and olefin(s) are at least partially soluble, and which are not reactive under the process conditions. Suitable solvents include halocarbons, ethers, esters, and aromatic solvents. Preferred solvents include dichloromethane and diethyl ether. Alternatively, this process may be run in the absence of solvent, depending on the olefin(s). For example, the dimerization of methyl acrylate can easily be carried out in neat acrylate.

Suitable temperatures for the process of this invention range from about -100.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C., depending on the specific catalyst, olefin(s) and pressure. More preferably, the temperature is between 0.degree. C. and 100.degree. C.; most preferably between 20.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.

The process of this invention is not particularly sensitive to pressure, and pressures of 0.1 atm to 1,000 atm are suitable.

The process of this invention can be conducted in the presence of inert gases such as nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon dioxide and saturated hydrocarbons such as methane. In the preferred mode, the process is conducted in the presence of hydrogen, where the partial pressure of hydrogen is from about 0.1 atm to about 10 atm. Surprisingly, high yields of dimers are obtained and less than 3% saturated products are observed even under 1 atm hydrogen.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. All preparative manipulations were carried out using conventional Schlenk techniques. Methylene chloride was distilled from P.sub.2 O.sub.5 under a nitrogen atmosphere. Methyl acrylate was stored under 4 .ANG. molecular sieves. The rhodium complexes were prepared according to published procedures.

Reaction mixtures were analyzed by .sup.1 H NMR spectroscopy. This method is advantageous since the fate of the rhodium species as well as the conversion of methyl acrylate into dimers can be monitored. The only dimers observed in all cases were linear, tail-to-tail dimers which included E-- and Z--CH.sub.3 OC(O)--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 (from here on referred to as E-2 and Z-2) and E--CH.sub.3 OC(O)--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 (from here on referred to as E-3). Normally, the E-2 isomer was the major isomer. Small amounts of E-3 often appeared at the end of the reaction, probably due to isomerization of the E-2 and Z-2 isomers under the reaction conditions. The turnover number (TON) was defined as the number of moles of methyl acrylate consumed/mole of rhodium complex. The most efficient reactions were carried out under 1 atm H.sub.2. Under these conditions very little (<3%) hydrogenation of methylacrylate occurs.

Examples 1-3 demonstrate relatively inefficient dimerization employing Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)(P(OMe).sub.3) as starting material. In all these examples the reaction was followed by .sup.1 H NMR using NMR tubes sealed under vacuum.

HBF.sub.4.Me.sub.2 O (32 .mu.L, 0.287 mmol) is 5 mL diethyl ether was added at -30.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)(P(OMe).sub.3) (84 mg, 0.215 mmol) in 25 mL ether. The rhodium hydride salt [Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)(P(OMe).sub.3)H].sup.+ [BF.sub.4 ].sup.- precipitated immediately. The mixture was cooled to -80.degree. C. and the ether solution was removed via cannula. The solid was washed with 2 portions of 5 mL of cold diethyl ether and dried under vacuum at low temperature.

Methyl acrylate (7.2 .mu.L, 0.08 mmol) was added to an NMR tube at liquid nitrogen temperature containing [Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)(P(OMe).sub.3)H].sup.+ [BF.sub.4 ].sup.- (8 mg, 0.017 mmol) in 0.6 mL CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. The NMR tube was then sealed under vacuum. The reaction was monitored by .sup.1 H NMR. A new complex Cp*Rh(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)(P(OMe).sub.3) was obtained and slow dimerization of the methyl acrylate was observed. (50% conversion after 9 days).

The new complex [Cp*Rh(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)(P(OMe).sub.3)].sup.+ BF.sub.4.sup.- (Ia) was prepared starting from [Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)(P(OMe).sub.3)H].sup.+ [BF.sub.4 ].sup.- (140 mg, 0.293 mmol) and methyl acrylate (36 .mu.L, 0.40 mmol) in 5 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. Then methyl acrylate (250 .mu.L, 2.78 mmol) was added at room temperature. Slow dimerization was obtained: 17% conversion after 24 h and 58% after 12 days.

NMR data for [Cp*Rh(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)(P(OMe).sub.3)].sup.+ BF.sub.4.sup.- (Ia):

.sup.1 H NMR (CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 400 MHz, 23.degree. C.): .delta.3.79 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 3.71 (d, J.sub.P-H =12 Hz, P(OCH.sub.3).sub.3), 2.9 (m, CH.sub.2), 2.2 (m, CH.sub.2), 1.67 (d, J.sub.P-H =4 Hz, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5).

.sup.13 C{.sup.1 H} NMR (CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 100 MHz, 23.degree. C.): .delta.191.0 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 101.2 (s, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5), 55.6 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 53.2 (d, J.sub.P-C =4 Hz, P(OCH.sub.3).sub.3), 39.1 (s, CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 13.0 (t, J.sub.Rh-C =J.sub.P-C =18 Hz, RhCH.sub.2), 9.3 (s, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5).

Methyl acrylate (77 .mu.L, 0.86 mmol) was added to [Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)(P(OMe).sub.3)H].sup.+ [BF.sub.4 ].sup.- (12 mg, 0.025 mmol) prepared following the method described in Example 1. After 4 days, 50% conversion to dimers was obtained.

Examples 4-13 demonstrate very efficient dimerization employing Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 as starting material. Only linear dimers were obtained.

HBF.sub.4.OMe.sub.2 (one drop) was added at -40.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (6 mg, 0.02 mmol) in 0.5 mL of CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 in an NMR tube. After shaking, the tube was frozen at liquid nitrogen temperature. Methyl acrylate (250 .mu.L, 2.78 mmol) was added and then the tube was sealed under vacuum at liquid nitrogen temperature. The reaction was then followed by NMR analysis at room temperature. After 45 min, 97% conversion to dimers was obtained. Dimers: E-2, 94%; Z-2, 4%; E-3, 2%.

HBF.sub.4.OMe.sub.2 (one drop) was added at -50.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (6 mg, 0.02 mmol) in 5 mL of CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 in a 100 mL Schlenk flask. Methyl acrylate (2.5 mL, 27.8 mmol) (degassed under N.sub.2) was added at -50.degree. C. The mixture was then stirred at 0.degree. C. The reaction was followed by NMR by withdrawing 50 .mu.L of the mixture and adding it to 0.5 mL of CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After 20 h at 0.degree. C., 63% conversion to dimers was obtained. Dimers: E-2, 86%; Z-2, 14%. TON=876.

The procedure described in Example 5 was repeated, except that the mixture was kept in a water bath at room temperature. After 3.83 h, 67% conversion to dimers was obtained. Dimers: E-2, 85%; Z-2, 18%. TON=931.

In Examples 7-11 and 13, HBPh.sub.4 ** indicates HB[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl].sub.4.

HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (29 mg, 0.029 mmol) was added to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (6 mg, 0.020 mmol) in 5 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 at 0.degree. C. Methyl acrylate (3 mL, 33.3 mmol) was added at 0.degree. C. and after 5 min the Schlenk flask was kept at room temperature in a water bath. Results are presented in the following table.

At 24 h, dimers were: E-2, 89%; Z-2, 11%. TON=1249.

This example shows that the presence of a solvent is not necessary.

HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (49 mg, 0.048 mmol) in 2 mL of diethyl ether was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (10 mg, 0.034 mmol) in 2 mL of diethyl ether. After stirring 7 min, the mixture was evaporated to dryness at 0.degree. C. under vacuum. Then methyl acrylate (8 mL, 88.9 mmol) was added at 0.degree. C. to the remaining solid. After stirring 5 min, the Schlenk flask was kept in a water bath at room temperature. 47% conversion was obtained: E-2, 88%; Z-2, 12%. TON=1229.

This example shows that dimerization occurs at a temperature as low as -80.degree. C.

HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (38 mg, 0.037 mmol) in 0.3 mL CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (7 mg, 0.024 mmol) in 0.5 mL CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 in an NMR tube. After cooling to -80.degree. C., methyl acrylate (20 .mu.L, 0.222 mmol) was added, and the tube was shaken just before its introduction into the NMR probe. Dimerization was observed at -80.degree. C., but the reaction was very slow.

In Examples 10-13, the reactions were performed using N.sub.2 and H.sub.2 atmospheres.

HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (49 mg, 0.048 mmol) in 2 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (10 mg, 0.034 mmol) in 10 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After stirring 10 min, methyl acrylate (8 mL, 88.9 mmol) was added to the mixture. The Schlenk flask was then kept at room temperature in a water bath. After 4 h reaction under N.sub.2 atmosphere, 36% conversion to dimers was obtained. At this point, the mixture was divided into two fractions: one fraction was kept under N.sub.2 and 47% conversion was finally obtained. H.sub.2 was bubbled through the second fraction for 1 h, and 95% conversion to dimers was finally obtained. TON=2483 (H.sub.2 atmosphere).

HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (50 mg, 0.049 mmol) in 1.5 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (10 mg, 0.034 mmol) in 2.5 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After stirring 10 min, methyl acrylate (20 mL, 222.3 mmol) was added to the solution. The Schlenk flask was then kept at room temperature in a water bath under H.sub.2 atmosphere. The results are reported in the following table:

At 48 h, TON=6538.

Turnover rate=3.5 mol CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 Me/mol(Rh)/min at 25.degree. C.

Dimers: E-2, 95%; Z-2, 3%; E-3, 2%.

One drop of HBF.sub.4.Me.sub.2 O was added at -40.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (10 mg, 0.034 mmol) in 10 mL of CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. Methyl acrylate (8 mL, 88.9 mmol) was added to the mixture, and the mixture was then heated to 40.degree.-50.degree. C. under an H.sub.2 atmosphere. (The Schlenk flask was equipped with a water condenser.) The reaction was only monitored for 4 h and at that point, 69% conversion was obtained.

Turnover rate=7.5 mol CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 Me/mol(Rh)/min at 40.degree. C.

HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (50 mg, 0.049 mmol) in 3 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (10 mg, 0.034 mmol) in 3 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After stirring 10 min, methyl acrylate (20 mL, 222.3 mmol) was added to the solution. The Schlenk flask was then kept at room temperature in a water bath under H.sub.2 atmosphere. The results are reported in the following table:

After 11.50 h, the mixture was frozen in dry ice/acetone overnight. Just after thawing, no change was noticed in the monomer/dimer ratio and the reaction was then monitored in the same manner as before freezing. After 36 h at room temperature, >99.9% conversion was obtained, giving a TON=6538. (No data points were taken between 20.33 and 36 h.)

Turnover rate=6.6 mol CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 Me/mol(Rh)/min at 25.degree. C. (over the initial 10 h period).

Dimers: E-2, 94%; Z-2, 5%; E-3, 1%.

The procedure described in Example 13 was repeated, except that the mixture was heated to 60.degree. C. under H.sub.2 atmosphere.

After 3 h, 94% conversion was obtained. An additional 20 mL of methyl acrylate was added, and after 22 h, 99% conversion was obtained at 60.degree. C., giving a TON=13,000.

Turnover rate=65 mol CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 Me/mol(Rh)/min at 60.degree. C. (over the initial (1 h) period).

Products: Dimers (98%): E-2, 93%; Z-2, 6%; E-3, 1%, Methyl propionate (2%).

This example describes the synthesis (2 methods) and the characterization of the new complexes [Cp*RhCH(CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)].sup.+ [BPh.sub.4 **].sup.- (IIb) and {Cp*Rh(.eta..sup.3 -MeOC(O)CH.sub.2 CHCHCHCO.sub.2 Me)].sup.+ [BPh.sub.4 **].sup.- (IIIb).

Method 1: HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (218 mg, 0.215 mmol) in 3 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (49 mg, 0.167 mmol) in 7 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After stirring 10 min, MeOC(O)CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me (200 .mu.L) was added to the mixture. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was washed with hexane to eliminate the dimer. The two complexes (IIb) and (IIIb) were separated by successive recrystallizations in diethyl ether/hexane and isolated as orange crystals.

Method 2: HBPh.sub.4 **.(Et.sub.2 O).sub.2 (171 mg, 0.169 mmol) in 3 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 was added at 0.degree. C. to Cp*Rh(C.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.2 (39 mg, 0.133 mmol) in 7 mL CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After stirring 10 min, methyl acrylate (240 .mu.L, 2.668 mmol) was added to the mixture. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was washed with hexane to eliminate excess dimer. The two complexes (IIb) and (IIIb) were separated by successive recrystallizations in diethyl ether/hexane and isolated as orange crystals.

NMR data for [Cp*RhCH(CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Me)].sup.+ [BPh.sub.4 **].sup.- (IIb):

.sup.1 H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 23.degree. C.): .delta.7.72 (Ph**, 8H), 7.56 (Ph**, 4H), 3.93 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 3.84 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 3.35 (m, broad, Ha), 3.00 (dd, J.sub.Ha-Hb or c=9 Hz, J.sub.Hb-Hc =19 Hz, Hb or c), 2.68 (d, J.sub.Hb-Hc)=19 Hz, Hc or b), 2.40 (ddd, J=3, 7 and 19 Hz, Hf or g), 2.15 (ddd, J=3, 9 and 19 Hz, Hg or f), 1.68 (m, Hd or e), 1.53 (s, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5), 1.52 (m, He or d).

.sup.13 C NMR (100 MHz, CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 23.degree. C.): .delta.190.4 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 183.0 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 162.1 (q, J.sub.C-B =50 Hz, C1'), 135.2 (d, J.sub.C-H =157.5 Hz, C2' and C6'), 129.3 (q, .sup.2 J.sub.C-F =32 Hz, C3' and C5'), 125.0 (q, J.sub.C-F =273 Hz, CF.sub.3) 117.9 (dq, J.sub.C-H =163 Hz, .sup.3 J.sub.C-F =4 Hz, C4'), 94.6 (d, J.sub.C-Rh =8 Hz, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5), 55.7 (q, J.sub.C-H =150 Hz, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 54.9 (q, J.sub.C-H =150 Hz, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 44.8 (t, J.sub.C-H =130 Hz, CH.sub.2), 38.7 (dd, J.sub.C-Rh =23 Hz, J.sub.C-H =140 Hz, Rh-CH), 31.6 (t, J.sub.C-H =130 Hz, CH.sub.2), 29.9 (t, J.sub.C-H =130, CH.sub.2), 8.9 (q, J.sub.C-H =129 Hz, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5). ##STR7##

NMR data for [Cp*Rh(.eta..sup.3 -MeOC(O)CH.sub.2 CHCHCHCO.sub.2 Me)].sup.+ [BPh.sub.4 **].sup.- (IIIb):

.sup.1 H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 23.degree. C.): .delta.7.72 (Ph**, 8H), 7.56 (Ph**, 4H), 5.49 (ddd, J.sub.Ha-Hb =11 Hz, J.sub.Hc-Hb =8 Hz, J.sub.Rh-Hb =2 Hz, Hb), 4.70 (ddd, J.sub.Hb-Hc =8 Hz, J.sub.Hc-Hd =7.5 Hz, J.sub.Hc-He =2 Hz, Hc), 3.85 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 3.82 (s, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3), 3.42 (dd, J.sub.Hd-Hc =7.5 Hz, J.sub.Hd-He =21 Hz, Hd), 3.11 (d, J.sub.Ha-Hb =11 Hz, Ha), 2.61 (dd, J.sub.He-Hd =21 Hz, J.sub.He-Hc =2 Hz, He), 1.70 (s, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5).

.sup.13 C{.sup.1 H} NMR (100 MHz, CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 23.degree. C.): .delta.186.8 (s, C5), 170.0 (s, C6), 162.1 (q, J.sub.C-B =50 Hz, C1'), 135.2 (s, C2' and C6'), 129.3 (q, .sup.2 J.sub.C-F =32 Hz, C3' and C5'), 125.0 (q, J.sub.C-F =273 Hz, CF.sub.3), 117.9 (q, .sup.3 J.sub.C-F =4 Hz, C4'), 102.5 (d, J.sub.C-Rh =5 Hz, C2), 101.3 (d, J.sub.C-Rh =7 Hz, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5), 71.6 (d, J.sub.C-Rh =9 Hz, C3), 67.8 (d, J.sub.C-Rh =10 Hz, C1), 56.5 (s, OCH.sub.3), 52.5 (s, OCH.sub.3), 36.5, (s, C4), 8.9 (s, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub. 5).

.sup.13 C NMR (100 MHz, CD.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, 23.degree. C.): .delta.186.8 (s, C5), 170.0 (s, C6), 162.1 (q, J.sub.C-B =50 Hz, C1'), 135.2 (d, J.sub.C-H =157.5 Hz, C2' and C6'), 129.3 (q, .sup.2 J.sub.C-F =32 Hz, C3' and C5'), 125.0 (q, J.sub.C-F =273 Hz, CF.sub.3), 117.9 (dq, J.sub.C-H =163 Hz, .sup.3 J.sub.C-F =4 Hz, C4'), 102.5 (m, J.sub.C-H =170 Hz, C2), 101.3 (d, J.sub.C-Rh =7 Hz, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5), 71.6 (m, J.sub.C-H =160 Hz, C3), 67.8 (dt, J.sub.C-H =161 Hz, .sup.1 J.sub.C-Rh =.sup.2 J.sub.C-Hb =10 Hz, C1), 56.5 (q, J.sub.C-H =151 Hz, OCH.sub.3), 52.5 (q, J.sub.C-H =148 Hz, OCH.sub.3), 36.5, (t, J.sub.C-H =130 Hz, C4), 8.9 (q, J.sub.C-H =129 Hz, C.sub.5 (CH.sub.3).sub.5).