# NbCl3(dimethoxyethane) (110615-13-9)

**URL:** <https://chemdotes.discourse.group/t/nbcl3-dimethoxyethane-110615-13-9/43>\
**Category:** Niobium Complexes\
**Created:** [March 13, 2024, 3:34am UTC](https://chemdotes.discourse.group/t/nbcl3-dimethoxyethane-110615-13-9/43 "2024-03-13T03:34:49Z")\
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**Author:** ![bmpuerta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f04885/32.png) [@bmpuerta](https://chemdotes.discourse.group/u/bmpuerta)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2024, 3:34am UTC](https://chemdotes.discourse.group/t/nbcl3-dimethoxyethane-110615-13-9/43/1 "2024-03-13T03:34:49Z")

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NbCl3(dme) provides a convenient gateway into niobium(III) complexes. Due to its d2 configuration, it tends to exhibit Lewis basic behavior towards pi-ligands such as olefins. These types of complexes have found use in reductive couplings of amines and carbonyls, pyrrole synthesis, conversion of aldehydes into 1,2-diols, and reduction of alkynes to cis-alkenes.[1] The complex can be conveniently synthesized via reduction of the niobium(V) precursor with trimethyltin hydride in the presence of dimethoxyethane, according to an air/moisture-free 1992 Inorganic Syntheses procedure.[2]

**Notes** :

- NbCl3(dme) is an air/moisture sensitive red solid soluble in polar organic solvents. It is stable indefinitely at room temperature when stored in the glovebox.
- NbCl5 starting material is moisture sensitive. It can be prepared from niobium oxide hydrate and thionyl chloride.[3]
- Anhydrous dimethoxyethane can be purchased from chemical vendors (Millipore-Sigma, VWR, Fisher Scientific). It can also be dried with molecular sieves and distilled (to remove inhibitor) prior to use. Dimethoxyethane forms peroxides over time when exposed to air. For a nice list of peroxide-forming routine chemicals, see the document below from University of Louisville:  
[Peroxide-Forming Chemicals Guide](https://louisville.edu/dehs/chemical-safety/chemical-safety-files/peroxide-forming-chemicals-guide)  
or a more comprehensive list from UC Santa Cruz:  
[Classification List of Peroxide Forming Chemicals](https://ehs.ucsc.edu/lab-safety-manual/specialty-chemicals/peroxide-formers-list.html)
- Careful when handling tributyltin hydride. It is toxic and readily absorbed upon contact with skin, as expected of organotin compounds.

[1] Roskamp, C. A. Trichloro(1,2-dimethoxyethane)niobium. _EROS_, **2001**. DOI: 10.1002/047084289X.rt202s.  
[2] Pedersen, S. F.; Hartung, J. B.; Roskamp, E. J.; Dragovich, P. S. Niobium(III) and (IV) Halide Complexes. _Inorg. Synth_ . **1992** , 28, 119–123. DOI: 10.1002/9780470132609.ch28.  
[3] Brown, D.; Cavell, R. G. Niobium(V) Chloride and Hexachloroniobates(V). _Inorg. Synth_. **1967** , 9, 88-92.