Bis[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]- and bis(neopentyl)-zinc, and tris[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]aluminium–diethyl ether (1/1); their use as alkylating agents in forming niobium and tantalum alkyls

Synthesis of bis[(trimethylsilyl)methyl)]zinc, tris[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]aluminium–diethyl ether (1/1), and bis(neopentyl)zinc is described. Interaction of the first two compounds with tantalum pentachloride affords (Me3SiCH2)TaCl4, (Me3SiCH2)2TaCl3, and (Me3SiCH2)3TaCl2, and with NbCl5, (Me3SiCH2)3NbCl2. Bis(neopentyl)zinc reacts similarly. Adducts of the zinc, niobium, and tantalum alkyls with amines are also described.