Organolanthanoids. IV. Some reactions of Bis(polyfluorophenyl)ytterbium compounds

Abstract

From reactions of bis(polyfluorophenyl)ytterbium compounds R₂Yb (R = C₆F_s or p-HC₆F₄) with trans-Rh(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₂, NiCl₂(bpy) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl), NiCl₂(PPh₃)₂, PtCl₂(bpy)₂ triphenyltin chloride, iodine and mercuric chloride, the polyfluorophenyl derivatives trans-RRh(CO)(PPh₃)₂, R₂Ni(bpy), trans-(C₆F₅)₂Ni(PPh₃)₂, (C₆F₅)₂,Pt(bpy), Ph₃SnC₆F_s, C₆F₅I and (C₆FS)₂,Hg have been obtained. Reduction to mercury metal accompanied formation of the last compound. Carbonation of (C₆F₅)₂Yb in tetrahydrofuran followed by acidification yields pentafluorobenzoic acid and, surprisingly, a significant amount of 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid, in which the aromatic hydrogen is substantially derived from tetrahydrofuran. Reaction of (C₆F₅)₂Yb with pentafluorobenzoic acid followed by acidification also gives 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid. Fluoride elimination is less extensive and less specific in a similar reaction of YbI₂.