Insights into the Mechanism of Reaction of [(C5Me5)2SmII(thf)2] with CO2 and COS by DFT Studies

Abstract : Reaction mechanisms for the oxidative reactions of CO2 and COS with [(C5Me5)2Sm] have been investigated by means of DFT methods. The experimental formation of oxalate and dithiocarbonate complexes is explained. Their formation involve the samarium(III) bimetallic complexes [(C5Me5)2Sm‐CO2‐Sm(C5Me5)2] and [(C5Me5)2Sm‐COS‐Sm(C5Me5)2] as intermediates, respectively, ruling out radical coupling for the formation of the oxalate complex.