Process for the preparation of a metal-organic compound comprising a spectator ligand

1. A process for the production of an organometallic compound according to formula 1:

MAL j Y r X (p−(n+v+r) R n   (formula 1)

where:

M is a metal of groups 3-13 or the lanthanide series, and p is the valence of the metal M,

A represents an anionic spectator ligand whose valence v is 1 or 2,

Y is a spectator ligand represented by formula 2:

wherein the spectator ligand is covalently bonded to the metal M via the imine nitrogen atom, Sub 1 is a substituent, which comprises a group 14 atom through which Sub 1 is bonded to the imine carbon atom, Sub 2 is a substituent, which comprises an atom of groups 15-16, through which Sub 2 is bonded to the imine carbon atom, Sub 1 and Sub 2 might be connected to each other forming a ring system, r is an integer >0, n is the number of anionic ligands R, L is an optional neutral Lewis basic ligand, j is an integer denoting the number of neutral ligands L, X is a halide, and R is an anionic ligand, wherein an organometallic reagent according to formula 3,

MAL j X p−v   (formula 3),

is contacted with an alkylating agent, thus forming a precursor in which at least one of the halide atoms is replaced by an anionic ligand R that may be independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or a combination thereof, which precursor is subsequently contacted with an imine according to formula 2 in an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising between 3 and 20 carbon atoms.

2. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the anionic ligand R is free from β-hydrogen atoms on an aliphatic carbon atom.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the anionic ligand R is methyl or benzyl.

4. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the aliphatic hydrocarbon is isobutane, pentane, isopentane, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, or cycloheptane.