Are excimers formed along with hydrated electrons in the UV excitation of cyanocuprate(I) ions in aqueous solution?

The three cyanocuprate(I) complexes, Cu(CN)₂⁻, Cu(CN)₃²⁻, and Cu(CN)₄³⁻, photoeject electrons with high efficiency when excited in aqueous solution by 266 nm laser pulses of 7 ns duration with quantum yields of 0.37±0.06, 0.224±0.021, and 0.240±0.005, for Cu(CN)₂⁻ (at 2 M ionic strength), Cu(CN)₃²⁻, and Cu(CN)₄³⁻ (both measured at 1 M ionic strength). Along with hydrated electrons, two transient intermediates, absorbing at 460 and 340 nm, respectively, form consecutively after excitation through bimolecular reactions with ground-state Cu(I) in solutions of Cu(CN)₂⁻, and Cu(CN)₃²⁻, but not in Cu(CN)₄³⁻. All photoprocesses are essentially monophotonic. A mechanism is proposed that suggests the formation of a dinuclear excited-state complex such as an excimer.     

Micellar effects on photoinduced redox reactions of Fe(bpy)2(CN)2

Excitation of solutions of Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂ by a 266-nm laser pulse produces a hydrated electron and the oxidized complex, Fe(bipy)₂ (CN)₂⁺, in the primary photochemical step, in homogeneous aqueous solution as well as in aqueous solutions containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. In all cases nascent hydrated electrons react with ground state Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂ to form Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂⁻, and comparison of the decay constants in the three media (H₂O: k = 2.8 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; CTAB: k = 2.9 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; SDS: k = 5.5 × 10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹), shows that the reaction is essentially unaffected by CTAB micelles but is much slower in SDS solution. Similar micellar effects were found for the back reaction between e_aq⁻ and Fe(bpy)₂(CN)₂⁺. Rate constants for the scavenging of the photogenerated hydrated electrons by methyl viologen (MV²⁺) cations and NO₃⁻ anions were measured in the three systems, and the results indicate that for scavenging by MV²⁺ the rate constants are decreased in the micelle systems (k in H₂O, 8.4 × 10¹⁰; CTAB, 3.5 × 10¹⁰ and SDS, 1.58 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹), whereas for NO₃⁻ the CTAB micelle decreases while the SDS micelle enhances the scavenging compared to water solution (k in H₂O, 8.3 × 10⁹; CTAB, 7 × 10⁸; and SDS, 2.05 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹). For the comproportionation reaction between Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂⁺ and Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂⁻ both micelles reduce the rate (k in H₂O, 3.3 × 10¹⁰; CTAB, 2.3 × 10¹⁰; and SDS, 1.05 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹s⁻¹), but while the reaction of Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂⁺ with MV⁺ is increased in CTAB compared to water, it is slowed in SDS (k in H₂O, 2.4 × 10¹⁰; CTAB, 8.9 × 10¹⁰; and SDS, 1.8 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹s⁻¹). All effects observed in these microheterogeneous systems can be uniformly interpreted in terms of Coulombic interactions between the actual reactants and the charged surface of the micelles.     

A SEM–EDX study of highly stable supported liquid membranes based on ionic liquids

This work evaluates the operational stability of six different supported liquid membranes (SLMs) based on ionic liquids (ILs). [bmim⁺][PF₆⁻]_, [bmim⁺][BF₄⁻] and [bmim⁺][NTf₂⁻] were used as supporting phase in Nylon^® and Mitex^® membranes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was used to characterize the membrane surface morphologically and examine the global chemical composition of the membranes and the distribution of the ILs within them.

Study of the freshly impregnated membranes showed that, in all cases, the ILs were homogeneously distributed, mostly filling the pores of the membranes although, in some cases, a small amount of excess of IL was located on the external membrane surface. Stability tests were performed by keeping the respective impregnated membranes immersed for a week in a diffusion cell including two independent compartments and using n-hexane/n-hexane as the respective feed and receiving phases. The SEM–EDX study of membranes after continuous operation showed that the ILs were still retained within the membrane pores and only small losses of the IL initially located on the external surface were observed. These observations are in complete agreement with the ionic losses determined by mass balance.     

Novel iodoammonium cations: Synthesis and characterization of o-C6H4(NH2)2IX (X = I, AsF6, AlI4)

The new iodoammonium salts o-C₆H₄(NH₂)₂I⁺I⁻ (1) and o-C₆H₄(NH₂)₂I⁺ AsF₆⁻ (2) were prepared by reaction of o-phenylene diamine with I₂ or I₃⁺AsF₆⁻, respectively. Compound 1 reacts with AlI₃ yielding quantitatively the corresponding tetraiodoaluminate o-C₆H₄(NH₂)₂I⁺AlI₄⁻ (3). The species were characterized by chemical analysis, vibrational (IR and Raman) and temperature-dependent ¹H NMR spectropscopy. Direct evidence for a N---I bond was found in the Raman spectra of 1, 2 and 3 (ν(NI) = 599–600 cm⁻¹).     

Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between silver(III) and thiourea in aqueous alkaline media

The tetrahydroxoargentate(III) ion, Ag(OH)₄⁻, is rapidly reduced by thiourea (tu) in accordance with the three term rate law RATE = {k₁+(k₂+k₃[OH⁻])[tu]}[Ag^III] where k₁ = 1.08 s⁻¹, k₂ = 1.46 x 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, and k₃ = 2.02 x 10³ M⁻² s⁻¹. The k₁ path occurs via the rate-determining aquation of Ag(OH)₄⁻ while the other two paths involve axial attack of thiourea on silver. The higher values of k₂ and k₃ compared to the ethylenediamine reaction, which obeys the same rate law, is a reflection of the greater nucleophilicity of tu.

Following the redox reaction, solutions become brown in a reaction that obeys pseudo-first-order kinetics. Similar behaviour is observed when tu is replaced by Na₂S or thio-acetamide and when Ag^I reacts with any of these sulphur containing compounds. We attribute this process to the Ag^I promoted formation of sulphide species which eventually precipitate as Ag₂S.     

Persulphate quenching of the excited state of ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridyl dication: thermal reactions

The rate constant for the reaction between the sulphate radical (SO₄^√−) and the ruthenium (II) tris-bipyridyl dication (Ru(bipy)₃²⁺) is (3.3±0.2)×10⁹ mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ in 1 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄ and (4.9±0.5)×10⁹ mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ in 0.1 mol dm⁻³, pH 4.7 acetate buffer. The SO₄^√−radical produced by the electron transfer quenching of Ru(bipy)₃^2+* by S₂O₈²⁻ reacts rapidly with both acetate buffer and chloride ions. These side reactions result in a reduction in the overall quantum yield of Ru(bipy)₃³⁺ production and reduced reaction selectivity when Ru(bipy)₃^2+* is quenched by persulphate.     

Spectrophotometric study of complexation equilibria between HCrO4 and Cl ions

The complex equilibria between HCrO₄⁻ and Cl⁻ ions has been studied spectrophotometrically at a constant ionic strength of 3.0 mol dm⁻³ and the data have been analyzed both graphically and numerically by means of the program LETAGROP-SPEFO (L. G. Sillen and B. Warnquist, Arkiv. kemi. 1968, 31, 377). The experimental results can be explained on the basis of the following reaction: HCrO₄⁻+H⁺+Cl⁻ = CrO₃Cl⁻+H₂O (log β₁₁ = 1.37±0.08). Molar absorptivities of HCrO₄⁻ and CrO₃Cl⁻ were also reported.     

Reactions of stereochemically rigid diisocyanides with manganese carbonyl derivatives

The reactions of BrMn(CO)₅ with the non-chelating stereochemically rigid bidentate ligands (L-L) 1,3-, and 1,4-diisocyanobenzene, 4,4′-diisocyanobiphenyl, and 4,4′-diisocyanodiphenylmethane afford well characterized complexes of the types BrMn(CO)₄(L-L), BrMn(CO)₃(L-L)₂, and [BrMn(CO)₄]₂(L-L). Similar reactions with [RC₅H₄Mn(CO)₂NO]⁺PF₆⁻ gave mixtures of oligomers of the type [(RC₅H₄MnNO)_n(L-L)_n+1]ⁿ⁺[PF₆⁻]_n.     

Flow injection determination of bismuth in urine by successive retention of Bi(III) and tetrahydroborate(III) on an anion-exchange resin and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Bismuth as BiCl₄⁻ and BH₄⁻ ware successively retained in a column (150 mm × 4 mm, length × i.d.) packed with Amberlite IRA-410 (strong anion-exchange resin). This was followed by passage of an injected slug of hydrochloric acid resulting in bismuthine generation (BiH₃). BiH₃ was stripped from the eluent solution by the addition of a nitrogen flow and the bulk phases were separated in a gas–liquid separator. Finally, bismutine was atomized in a quartz tube for the subsequent detection of bismuth by atomic absorption spectrometry. Different halide complexes of bismuth (namely, BiBr₄⁻, BiI₄⁻ and BiCl₄⁻) were tested for its pre-concentration, being the chloride complexes which produced the best results. Therefore, a concentration of 0.3 mol l⁻¹ of HCl was added to the samples and calibration solutions. A linear response was obtained between the detection limit (3σ) of 0.225 and 80 μg l⁻¹. The R.S.D.% (n = 10) for a solution containing 50 μg l⁻¹ of Bi was 0.85%. The tolerance of the system to interferences was evaluated by investigating the effect of the following ions: Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The most severe depression was caused by Hg²⁺, which at 60 mg l⁻¹ caused a 5% depression on the signal. For the other cations, concentrations between 1000 and 10,000 mg l⁻¹ could be tolerated. The system was applied to the determination of Bi in urine of patients under therapy with bismuth subcitrate. The recovery of spikes of 5 and 50 μg l⁻¹ of Bi added to the samples prior to digestion with HNO₃ and H₂O₂ was in satisfactory ranges from 95.0 to 101.0%. The concentrations of bismuth found in six selected samples using this procedure were in good agreement with those obtained by an alternative technique (ETAAS). Finally, the concentration of Bi determined in urine before and after 3 days of treatment were 1.94 ± 1.26 and 9.02 ± 5.82 μg l⁻¹, respectively.     

Structural characterisation of [Pt(NH3)4]2[W(CN)8][NO3]·2H2O donor–acceptor complex

The bimetallic [Pt(NH₃)₄]₂[W(CN)₈][NO₃]·2H₂O is characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction [S.G.P2₁/m(11), a=8.0418(7), b=19.122(2), c=9.0812(6) Å, Z=2]. All platinum centres have the square-plane D_4h geometry with average dimensions Pt(1)–N 2.042(2) and Pt(2)–N 2.037(10) Å. The octacyanotungstate anion has the square-antiprismatic D_4d configuration with average dimensions W(1)–C 2.164(13), C–N 1.140(12), W(1)–N 3.303(5) Å. The structure exhibits two different mutual orientations of Pt versus W units resulting in Pt(2)–W(1), W(1)^* separations of 4.77(2), 4.55(2)^* and Pt(1)–W(1) of 6.331(8) Å. A centrosymmetric structure reveals groups of two distinct columns: the first is formed by intercalated NO₃⁻ between parallel [Pt(1)(NH₃)₄]²⁺ planes and the second consists of [W(CN)₈]³⁻ interlayered by, parallel to square faces of W-antiprisms, [Pt(2)(NH₃)₄]²⁺. The structure is stabilised through a three-dimensional hydrogen bond network via nitrogen atoms of cyanide ligands, hydrogen atoms of NH₃ ligands, water molecules and oxygen atoms of NO₃⁻ counteranions. The vibrational pattern and the range of ν(CN) frequencies attributable to the electronic environment of W(V) and W(IV) are consistent with the ground state Pt(II)↔W(V) charge transfer.     

Bis(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-and(ηcyclopentadienyl) (η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-platinium dications: Pt(IV) metallocenes

Reaction of [Pt₂(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂(η-Br)₃]³⁺(Br⁻)₃ with C₅R₅H (R = H,Me) in the presence of AgBF₄ gives the first platinocenium dications, [Pt(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η⁵-C₅R₅)]²⁺(BF₄⁻ )₂. On electrochemical reduction, [pt(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂]²⁺ yields [Pt(η⁴-C₅Me₅H)(η²-C₅Me₅)]+ BF₄⁻. kw]Cyclopentadienyl; Metallocenes; Platinum; Electrochemistry     

Spectres infrarouges et structure des anions 2-methylallyle, CH3-C(CH2)2- et triméthylèneméthane, C(CH2)3

The infrared spectra of solid samples of C₄H₇K and C₄D₇K have been investigated in the 4000 to 30 cm⁻¹ range. A complete assignment of intramolecular fundamentals of C₄H₇⁻ and C₄D₇⁻ ions and of potassium-allyl vibrations is proposed and the intramolecular force constants are calculated. The C(CH₂)₃²⁻ anion has been identified spectroscopically. Structures of C₃H₅⁻, C₄H₇⁻ and C(CH₃)₃²⁻ are discussed and compared with those optimised by the MINDO/3 method.     

Das Reaktionsverhalten von Cp2NbCl2 gegenüber WF6—Struktur von [Cp2NbCl2]4[WF6]2[WCl6]

The oxidation of Cp₂NbCl₂ with pure WF₆ in SO₂ solution yielded the cationic metallocene species [Cp₂NbCl₂]⁺[WF₆]⁻ essentially in quantitative yield. The same reaction carried out in the presence of either equimolar amounts or a two-fold excess of HCN led to the preparation of the new niobocenium salt [Cp₂NbCl₂]₄⁺[WF₆]²⁻ which was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This compound represents the first example of a structurally characterized metallocene-WF₆⁻ complex, and crystallizes in the tetragonal system: space group, P4₁2₁2(No. 92), a = 11.083(8) Å, c = 48.285 (9) Å; Z = 8; R = 0.0759, R_W = 0.0841. ab]Die Oxidation von Cp₂NbCl₂ mit reinem WF₆ führt in SO₂-Lösung zur Synthese von [Cp₂NbCl₂ ]⁺[WF₆]⁻ in nahezu quantitativer Ausbeute. Die analoge Reaktion führt unter Anwesenheit der äquimolaren Menge oder eines zweifachen Überschusses an HCN zur Ausbildung des Niobocenium-Komplexsalzes [Cp₂NbCl₂]₄⁺ [WF₆]₂⁻[WCl₆]²⁻, von dem eine Röntgenstrukturanalyse angefertigt wurde. Diese Verbindung repräsentiert den ersten structurell charakterisierten Vertreter eines Metallocen-WF₆⁻-Komplexes und kristallisiert im tetragonalen System: Raumgruppe P4₁2₁2 (Nr. 92), a = 11.083(8) Å, c = 48.285(9) Å; Z = 8; R = 0.0759, R_W = 0.0841. kw]Niobium; X-ray diffraction; Oxidation; Metallocenes     

Electron transfer in organometallic clusters : XI. Redox chemistry of M3(CO)12(M = Ru, Os) and PPh3 derivatives; mechanism of catalysed nucleophilic substitution

The generality of a two-electron reduction process involving an mechanism has been established for M₃(CO)₁₂ and M₃(CO)₁₂−n(PPh₃)_n (M = Ru, Os) clusters in all solvents. Detailed coulometric and spectral studies in CH₂Cl₂ provide strong evidence for the formation of an ‘opened’ M₃(CO)₁₂²⁻ species the triangulo radical anions M₃(CO)₁₂^−· having a half-life of < 10⁻⁶ s in CH₂Cl₂. However, the electrochemical response is sensitive to the presence of water and is concentration dependent. An electrochemical response for “opened” M₃(CO)₁₂²⁻ is only detected at low concentrations < 5 × 10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³ and under drybox conditions. The electroactive species ground at higher concentrations and in the presence of water M₃(CO)₁₁²⁻ and M₆(CO)₁₈²⁻ were confirmed by a study of the electrochemistry of these anions in CH₂Cl₂; HM₃(CO)₁₁⁻ is not a product. The couple [M₆(CO)₁₈]^−/2− is chemically reversible under certain conditions but oxidation of HM₃(CO)₁₁⁻ is chemically irreversible. Different electrochemical behaviour for Ru₃(CO)₁₂ is found when [PPN][X] (X = OAc⁻, Cl⁻) salts are supporting electrolytes. In these solutions formation of the ultimate electroactive species [μ-C(O)XRu₃(CO)₁₀]⁻ at the electrode is stopped under CO or at low temperatures but Ru₃(CO)₁₂^−· is still trapped by reversible attack by X presumably as [η¹-C(O)XRu₃(CO)₁₁]⁻. It is shown that electrode-initiated electron catalysed substitution of M₃(CO)₁₂ only takes place on the electrochemical timescale when M = Ru, but it is slow, inefficient and non-selective, whereas BPK-initiated nucleophilic substitution of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ is only specific and fast in ether solvents particulary THF. Metal---metal bond cleavage is the most important influence on the rate and specificity of catalytic substitution by electron or [PPN]-initiation. The redox chemistry of M₃(CO)₁₂ clusters (M = Fe, Ru, Os) is a consequence of the relative rates of metal---metal bond dissociation, metal-metal bond strength and ligand dissociation and in many aspects resembles their photochemistry.     

The reported ion Fe3S2(NO)5: A re-investigation

Salts reported to contain the iron-sulphur cluster nitrosyl anion Fe₃S₂(NO)₅⁻ are shown to be identical with those containing the well-known anion Fe₄S₃(NO)₇⁻.     

Modeling the separation performance of nanofiltration membranes for the mixed salts solution

A new model is proposed to evaluate the separation performance of nanofiltration (NF) membranes for the mixed salts solution. In the model, the observed transmission of an ion through a NF membrane is applied to express the separation performance of the membrane for the ion in the mixed salts solution, which has a relationship with the total concentration, the equivalent fraction and the species of each ion in the mixed salts solution. The verification of the model was carried out in the permeation experiments of some mixed salts solutions ((1) Na⁺, Cl⁻ and F⁻; (2) Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻; (3) Na⁺, F⁻, Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻; (4) Na⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) through three commercial NF membranes (ESNA 1-LF, ESNA 1 and LES 90). According to the permeation experiments of three NF membranes for some binary salts solutions, the competition coefficients of ions were obtained. The model evaluation results agreed quite well with the experimental data. Finally, the model was applied to evaluate the observed transmission of each ion in the mixed salts solution (Na⁺, F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) through three NF membranes. The agreement between the model evaluation results and the experimental data indicated that the model is suitable for evaluating the separation performance of three NF membranes for the mixed salts solution.     

Second sphere interaction in fluoroanion binding: Synthesis, spectroscopic and X-ray structural study of trans-dichlorobis(ethylenediamine) cobalt(III) terafluoroborate

Trans-dichlorobis(ethylenediamine) cobalt(III) terafluoroborate was synthesised and detailed packing analysis was undertaken to delineate the topological complimentarity of [trans-Co(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ and BF₄⁻ ions by second sphere coordination. The complex was completely characterised by elemental analyses, solubility product measurement and spectroscopic studies (IR, UV–Vis, multinuclear NMR). In the crystal lattice, discrete ions [trans-Co(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ and BF₄⁻ are arranged in A–B–A–B pattern (in both a and c directions of the lattice) forming columns of anions and cations. Crystal lattice is stabilized by electrostatic forces of attraction and hydrogen bonding interactions, i.e. N–HF⁻ and N–HCl involving second sphere coordination. It appears that the topological features of [trans-Co(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ are conducive for generating second sphere interactions. This strategy may be used as a viable method for the capture of other fluoroanions.     

Copper thioether chemistry: Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of binuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu2(L)] {L = [24]aneS8, [28]aneS8} incorporating octathia macrocycles

Reaction of L {L = [24]aneS₈, [28]aneS₈} with two molar equivalents of [Cu(NCMe)₄]X (X⁻ = ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻) in MeCN affords the white binuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu₂(L)]²⁺. A single crystal X-ray structure determination of [CU₂([24]aneS₈)](BF₄)₂ shows two tetrahedral copper(I) centres, each of which is coordinated to four thioether sulphur-donors, Cu---S(1) = 2.263(3), Cu---S(4) = 2.363(3), Cu---S(7) = 2.349(3), Cu---S(10) = 2.261(3) Å. The Cu … Cu distance is 5.172(3) Å. A single crystal X-ray structure determination Of [CU₂([28]aneS₈)](ClO₄)₂ shows that this complex also contain two tetrahedral copper(I) centres, each coordinated to four thioether sulphur-donors, Cu---S(1) = 2.278(5), Cu---S(4) = 2.333(5), Cu---S(8) = 2.328(5), CU---S(11) = 2.268(5) Å. The Cu … Cu distance of 6.454(3) Å is greater than in [CU₂([24]aneS₈)]²⁺ , reflecting the greater cavity size in [CU₂([28]aneS₈)]²⁺. Cyclic voltammetry of [CU₂([24]aneS₈)]²⁺ and [CU₂([28]aneS₈)]²⁺ at platinum electrodes in MeCN (0.1 M ⁿBU₄NPF₆) shows irreversible oxidations at E_pa, = +0.88 V, +0.92 V vs Fc/Fc⁺, respectively, at a scan rate of 200 mV s⁻¹. Coulometric measurements in MeCN confirm these oxidations to be two-electron (one electron per copper) processes to give binuclear copper(II) species. Oxidation of the binuclear copper(I) precursors with H₂SO₄ or HNO₃ affords ESR-active copper(II) species which presumably incorporate SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ bridges.     

Structures of propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and pivalaldehyde complexes of the chiral rhenium fragment [(η-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]

The crystal structures of propionaldehyde complex (RS,SR)-(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHCH₂CH₃)]⁺ PF₆⁻ (1b⁺ PF₆^s−; monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.166 (1) Å, b = 18.316(1) Å, c = 14.872(2) Å, β = 100.51(1)°, Z = 4) and butyraldehyde complex (RS,SR)-[(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHCH₂CH₂CH₃)]⁺ PF₆⁻ (1c⁺PF₆⁻; monoclinic, P2₁/a (No. 14), a = 14.851(1) Å, b = 18.623(3) Å, c = 10.026(2) Å, β = 102.95(1)°, Z = 4) have been determined at 22°C and −125°C, respectively. These exhibit C O bond lengths (1.35(1), 1.338(5) Å) that are intermediate between those of propionaldehyde (1.209(4) Å) and 1-propanol (1.41 Å). Other geometric features are analyzed. Reaction of [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(ClCH₂Cl)]⁺ BF₄⁻ and pivalaldehyde gives [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHC(CH₃)₃)]⁺BF₄⁻ (81%), the spectroscopic properties of which establish a π C O binding mode.     

Stable cationic diene complexes of iron

Complexes having the formula [C₅Me₅Fe(CO)-η⁴-diene]⁺ BF₄⁻ have been prepared by reaction of [C₅Me₅Fe(CO)₂THF]⁺BF₄⁻ with a range of dienes. A Brönsted plot derived from the rates of addition of amine nucleophiles suggests an essentially “soft” nature for the complexes diene.