Vanadocene dichloride explained

Vanadocene dichloride is an organometallic complex with formula (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂VCl₂ (commonly abbreviated as Cp₂VCl₂). It is a structural analogue of titanocene dichloride but with vanadium(IV) instead of titanium(IV). This compound has one unpaired electron, hence Cp₂VCl₂ is paramagnetic. Vanadocene dichloride is a suitable precursor for variety of bis(cyclopentadienyl)vanadium(IV) compounds.

Preparation

Cp₂VCl₂ was first prepared by Wilkinson and Birmingham via the reaction of NaC₅H₅ and VCl₄ in THF.^[1]

Reactions and use

The compound has been used in organic synthesis.

Reduction of vanadocene dichloride gives vanadocene, (C₅H₅)₂V.

Like titanocene dichloride, this organovanadium compound was investigated as a potential anticancer drug. It was conjectured to function by interactions with the protein transferrin.^[2]

Notes and References

1. G.. Wilkinson . J. G.. Birmingham . Bis-cyclopentadienyl Compounds of Ti, Zr, V, Nb and Ta. . 76. 17. 1954. 4281–4284 . 10.1021/ja01646a008.
2. 10.1016/j.ica.2015.08.008. Bioinorganic chemistry of vanadocene dichloride. Inorganica Chimica Acta. 437. 87–94. 2015. Honzíček. Jan. Vinklárek. Jaromír.