In search of novel Co(I) monomers for ROP, synthesis of sila- and germa- [2]cobaltoarenophanes was undertaken via. unprecedented direct dilthiation of (CpCoCb^*) (Cb^* = tetramethylcyclobutadiene) and subsequent treatment with the main group dihalides. However, attempts to ring open the CH₂-SiMe₂ bridged [2]cobaltoarenophanes were unsuccessful, which was attributed to the lower degree of strain in these molecules. An alternative route to [1]cobaltoarenophanes was proposed taking advantage of alkyne dimerization at a substituted CpCo(I) complex featuring a coordinated pendent alkyne. In this regard, alkyne-appended cyclopentadienyl ligands were developed and their utility was explored in reaction with early and late transition metals such as Ti, Fe, Co and Ni. This resulted in the formation of bis-alkynyl metallocenes of Ti and Co and half sandwich Ni complexes featuring a pendent alkyne.

Synthesis of side chain cobalt(I) polymers demonstrating the CpCoCb framework has also been explored, using pre-functionalized Cp ligands incorporating a polymerizable vinyl moiety.