Chromocene

Chemical properties

bordeaux crystalline powder

The Uses of Chromocene

Provides catalyst for ethylene polymerization. A precursor to other chromium(II) compounds.

What are the applications of Application

Bis(cyclopentadienyl)chromium(II) is a catalyst for stereoselective pinacol-type cross-coupling reactions

General Description

Red needles or reddish-purple solid.

Air & Water Reactions

Chromocene is very sensitive to exposure to air and moisture (decomposition is not vigorous). Decomposes in water .

Reactivity Profile

Chromocene reacts with water and alcohols. . It's reaction with alcohols produces pyrophoric metal alkoxides (dialkoxychromium and cyclopentadiene).

Fire Hazard

Literature sources indicate that Chromocene is flammable.

Purification Methods

Chromocene forms pyrophoric red crystals on sublimation at 50o/0.1mm followed by resublimation at 75-90o/0.1mm. Although it is stable at least to 300o, it is readily oxidised in air, and effervesces slowly in H2O to give cyclopentadiene. All operations should be carried out in a dry box. It decomposes in CCl4 or CS2, and for IR even grinding with nujol, KBr or KI causes some decomposition. [Wilkinson et al. J Inorg Nucl Chem 95 109 1956, Wilkinson J Am Chem Soc 76 209 1954, Beilstein 16 IV 1774.]