The structures and dynamic behavior of some polynuclear alkyne-rhodium complexes

The known complex, trans-(η-C5H5)2Rh2(CO)2(CF3C2CF3) is formed in high yield from (η-C5H5)Rh(CO)2 and CF3FCCF3 at 100°. The less stable cis-isomer of the complex is obtained in low yield from the same reaction. The infrared, 1H, 19F and 13C NMR spectra of the two isomers are compared. The trans-isomer undergoes CO scrambling in solution at room temperature, and the variable temperature 13C NMR spectra are consistent with a pairwise bridge opening and closing mechanism. The mechanism is extended to account for the isomerization of cis to trans isomer, whihc has a half-life of 12 h at room temperature. The 13C spectrum indicates that the cis-isomer is static in solution at room temperature. The trans-isomer is reversibly protonated by protonic acids, and BF4− and PF6− salts of the protonated species can be isolated. The spectroscopic properties of these salts are consistent with protonation at one of the alkynyl-carbons, but it is not possible to distinguish between two alternative structures for the complex cation. Treatment of (η-C5H5)2Rh2(CO)2(CF3C2CF3) with (η-C5H5)Rh(CO)2 gives the trinuclear complex (η-C5H5)3Rh3(CO)(CF3C2CF3) in 80% yield. The analogoug but-2-yne complex is formed from (η-C5H5)3Rh3(CO)3 and MeCCMe. The infrared, 1H, 19F and 13C NMR spectra indicate that the hexafluorobut-2-yne complex exists in two different structural arrangements in solution. One has an edge bridging, and the other a face bridging carbonyl. The proportion of the isomers is affected by the solvent polarity. The spectra of the but-2-yne complex indicate it is fluxional at room temperature, and has a face bridging structure in solution regardless of the polarity of the solvent. Reversible protonation of the hexafluorobut-2-yne complex occurs in protonic acids, and the salt [(η-C5H5)3Rh3(CO)(CF3C2CF3)H]+[BF4]−,H2O can be isolated. The spectroscopic properties of this complex are consistent with a structure incorporating an edge-bridging carbonyl, and probably, an edge-bridging hydride ligand.