Synthesis and X-Ray Structure Analysis of Novel Ethyl-Bridged Ytterbium–Triethylaluminum Complex; (η-C5Me5)2Yb·Al(C2H5)3 (THF)

Abstract
A series of novel ytterbium–organoaluminum complexes has been prepared by the reaction of YbCp*2 (THF) (Cp*=η-C5Me5) with AlR3. The X-ray structure analysis of the triethylaluminum complex, YbCp*2Al(C2H5)3 (THF), revealed the presence of unusual Yb–(μ-C2H5)–Al linkage. The complex catalyzes the polymerization of ethylene, methyl methacrylate and styrene in toluene.