Retro-Claisen Cleavage of the β-Dicarbonyl Ligand in Alcoholysis of Group IVB Metal Chelates

Chelates of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium with β-dicarbonyl compounds react with butyl, amyl, and octyl alcohols to give metal alkoxides. The reaction is accompanied by retro-Claisen cleavage of the ligand. The reactivity of the chelates was studied in relation to the ligand structure, nature of the metal, and reaction temperature. The reaction mechanism is discussed.