Organometallic reactivity on a calix(4)arene oxo surface. The stepwise migratory insertion of carbon monoxide and isocyanides into zirconium-carbon bonds anchored to a calix(4)arene moiety

The role of calix(4)arene as a supporting ligand compared to cyclopentadienyl and phenoxo anion is emphasized through the micratory insertion reaction of carbon monoxide and isocyanides, in the Zr-C bond. A kinetically and structurally defined stewise insertion process is reported. The reactions occur via metal-assisted C-C bond formation, resulting in a variety of carbon-metal-bonded fragmenets. Extended Huckel calculations were also performed.