Synthesis of platinum-iodo-alkyl/aryl complexes in ligand-exchange reactions: Determination of the structure of Pt{(S,S)-bdpp}(X)I complexes (X = Me, I) by X-ray crystallography

Pt{(S,S)-bdpp}(R)I (bdpp = 2,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane; R = Me, Ph, Bz, 2-Tioph) complexes were formed in alkyl/aryl ligand - iodide ligand-exchange reactions by reacting the corresponding Pt{(S,S)-bdpp}R₂ complexes with methyl iodide. The Pt{(S,S)-bdpp}(Me)I complex was isolated and fully characterised. The influence of the X ligand on the platinum-bdpp chelate conformation was investigated in Pt{(S,S)-bdpp}(X)I (X = I, SnCl₃, Me) complex series by means of X-ray crystallography.     

Stereoselective synthesis of cationic heterobidentate C(NHC)/SR rhodium(I) complexes using stereodirecting N,N-dialkylamino groups

The synthesis of two different types of chiral C/S ligands based upon N-(N,N-dialkylamino)-substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes and thioether functionalities, along with their neutral [RhCl(CNH)(COD)] and cationic [Rh(I)(NHC/S)(COD)]⁺ complexes, has been accomplished. (S)-2-[(Phenylthio)methyl]pyrrolidine, carrying the thioether moiety, and (2S,5S)-2,5-diphenylpyrrolidine, combined with a thioether functionalized side chain, were studied as potential stereodirecting groups. Only the latter provided high selectivity in the formation of the neutral complex, leading to a single atropoisomer (de >98%) of the newly formed, configurationally stable C(NHC)–Rh bond. The synthesis of the corresponding cationic [Rh(I)(NHC/S)(COD)]⁺ complexes, however, resulted in the formation of single (R_a,S_S) and (S_a,S_S) diastereomers, respectively, of the four possible complexes in each case [combinations of the (R_a/S_a) C(NHC)–Rh axis and the (S_s/R_s) stereogenic S center formed upon coordination]. For the proline derivative, the resolution of the mixture of (R_a/S_a)-[RhCl(CNH)(COD)] neutral complexes proceeds via dynamic kinetic resolution through coordinatively unsaturated Rh(I) intermediates formed after halide abstraction. The absolute configurations of both types of cationic complexes were unequivocally assigned on the basis of X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Duroquinonerhodium(I) complexes. Crystal structure of [Rh(DQ)(C6H5Me)]PF6

The preparation of cationic arenerhodiiim(I) complexes of the type [Rh(DQ)-(arene)]PF₆ (DQ = duroquinone; arene = C₆H_6-nMe_n, n duroquinone complexes with Group VB donor ligands are described. The crystal structure of [Rh(DQ)(C₆H₅Me)]PF₆ has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the P2₁/n space group, in a unit cell of dimensions a 15.9866(5), b 11.8438(3), c 9.9968(3) Å, β 98.473(4)Å. The structure was solved by Patterson and Fourier methods and refined to R and R_w values of 0.062 and 0.076, respectively. The Rh atom is coordinated to a toluene group (η⁶) and a duroquinone ligand (η⁴), which eclipse each other. Both ligands are distorted to adopt boat-like conformations.     

New cationic palladium (II) and rhodium (I) complexes of [Ph2PCH2C(Ph)N(2,6-Me2C6H3)]

Treatment of the bulky iminophosphine ligand [Ph₂PCH₂C(Ph)N(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)] (L) with [M(CH₃CN)₂(ligand)]⁺ⁿ, where for M = Pd(II): ligand = η³-allyl, n = 1, and for M = Rh(I), ligand: 2(C₂H₄), 2(CO) or cod, n = 0, yields the mono-cationic iminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(L)][BF₄] (1), [Rh(cod)(L)][BF₄] (2), [Rh(CO)(CH₃CN)(L)][BF₄] (3), and cis-[Rh(L)₂][BF₄] (4). All the new complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows moderate activity in the copolymerisation of CO and ethene but is inactive towards Heck coupling of 4-bromoacetophenone and n-butyl acrylate.     

Axially Dissymmetric Bis(triaryl)phosphines in the Biphenyl series: Synthesis of (6,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-2,2′-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphine) (‘BIPHEMP’) and analogues,and their use in Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric isomerizations of N,N-diethylnerylamine

The axially dissymmetric diphosphines (?)-(R)- and (+)-(S)-(6-6′-dimethylbiphenyl-2,2′-diyl)bis(diphenyl-phosphine) ((?)-(R)- 10 and (+)-(S)- 10 ; ‘BIPHEMP’) have been synthesized, starting from (R)- and (S)-6,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-2,2′-diamine ((R)- and(S)- 16 ), respectively, via Sandmeyer reaction, liathiation, and phosphinylation. Moreover, racemic 4,4′- dimethyl- and 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-substituted analogues 11 and 12 respectively, and the 6,6′-bridged analogues 1,11-bis(diphenylphosphino)-5,7-dihydrodibenz[c,e]oxepin (13) were synthesized and resolved into optically pure (R)- and(S)-enantiomers via complexation with di-μ-chlorob is {(R)-2-[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]pheny-C? N}dipalladium(II) ((R)- 18 ). The molecular structures of the diphosphines (S)- 10 and (R)- 13 and of two derived cationic Rh(I) complexes,[Rh((S)- 10 )(nbd)]BF₄ and [Rh((R)- 13 )(nbd)]BF 4 were determined by x-ray analyses. Absolute configurations were established for (+)-(S)- 10 by X-ray analyses of both the free diphosphine and of the derived Rh(I) complex, and for (?)-(R)- 13 by X-ray analysis of the derived Rh(I) complex. Configurational assignments for the substituted BIPHEMP analogues 11 12 were achieved by means of ¹H-NMR comparisons. The BIPHEMP ligand 10 and analogues 11 , 12 and 13 are the first examples of optically active bis(triaylphosphines) containing the axially dissymmetric biphenyl moiety. All these new diphosphines proved to be excellent asymmetry-inducing ligands in Rh(I)-catalyzed isomerizations of N,N-diethylnerylamine affording citronellat enamine of 98-99% ee.     

Organostibines as ligands. Synthesis of dimethyl(α-picolyl)stibine,dimethyl(8-quinolyl)stibine,and (R;S)-methylphenyl(8-quinolyl)stibine and some transition metal derivatives

The unsymmetrical mono-tertiary stibines dimethyl(α-picolyl)stibine (picstib), dimethyl(8-quinolyl)stibine (quinstib), and (R;S)-methylphenyl(8-quinolyl)stibine (R;S-quinstib) have been synthesised and the square-planar complexes [MX₂(picstib)], [MX₂(quinstib)] (where M = Pd or Pt and X = Cl, Br, I or SCN) and [MCl₂(R;S-quinstib)] (where M = Pd or Pt) isolated. The thiocyanato derivatives display linkage isomerism. The octahedral complexes [M(CO)_4-(picstib)] and [M(CO)₄(quinstib)] have also been prepared from the metal hexacarbonyls and the appropriate ligands by UV irradiation in tetrahydrofuran.     

Pyrazolate bridged dinuclear rhodium complexes. X-ray structure of [Rh(Pz)(CO)P(OPh)3]2

The synthesis and properties of complexes of general formulae [Rh(Pz)(CO)L]₂ (Pz = pyrazolate ion, L = phosphorus donor ligand), [Rh(Pz)(diolefin)]₂ and [Rh(Pz)(C₂H₄)₂]₂ are reported. The crystal structure of the novel complex [Rh(Pz)(CO)P(OPh)₃]₂ has been determined by X-ray methods. The crystals are triclinic, space group P₁, with Z = 2 in a unit cell of dimensions a 14.061(10), b 17.140(13), c 9.937(7) Å, α 102.19(7), β 10.9.55(8), γ 75.14(8)°. The structure has been solved by Patterson and Fourier methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares to R = 0.058 for 2514 independent observed reflections. The structure consists of discrete dimeric complexes in which each rhodium is in nearly square-planar arrangement, being bonded to a carbon atom of a carbonyl group, to a phosphorus of a triphenylphosphite ligand and to two nitrogen atoms of pyrazolate ligands bridging the metal atoms. The dihedral angle between the two square planes of 86.2° gives a bent configuration to the molecule in which the carbonyls and the phosphite ligands are in a trans arrangement.     

Diolefin cationic rhodium complexes with sulfur donors. X-ray structure of [Rh(NBD)2(SEt2)]CIO4

The preparation and properties of cationic rhodium complexes of the type [Rh(diolefin)L₂]ClO₄ (diolefin  COD, NBD; L  sulfur donor ligand) are described. Pentacoordinated complexes of general formula [Rh(NBD)₂L]ClO₄ (L  SMe₂, SEt₂, tetrahydrothiophen or trimethylene sulfide) are also reported. The crystal structure of [Rh(NBD)₂(Set₂)]ClO₄ has been determined by X-ray methods. The crystals are rhombohedral, space group R3c, with a 14.530(7) Å and α 77.86(5)° (Z = 6). The structure was solved from diffractometer data by direct and Fourier methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares to R = 0.054 for 937 independent observed reflections. In the cationic [Rh(NBD)₂(SEt₂)]⁺ complex the Rh atom is pentacoordinated, the geometry about the metal being a square pyramid whose base is defined by the midpoints of the olefin bonds from two norbornadiene molecules and the apex is occupied by a sulfur atom of the thioether ligand at a rather long distance [Rh?S 2.500(4) Å].     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of new tetradentate N2S2 donor Schiff-base ligand ca2-dapte: Mononuclear and dinuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu(ca2dapte)]ClO4 and [{Cu(PPh3)(X)}2(ca2dapte)] (X = I and Br)

A mononuclear copper(I) complex, [Cu(ca₂dapte)]ClO₄ (1), and two dinuclear copper(I) complexes, [{Cu(PPh₃)(X)}₂(ca₂dapte)] (X = I (2) and Br (3)), of a new tetradentate N₂S₂ donor Schiff-base ligand ca₂dapte have been prepared (ca₂dapte = N,N′-bis(trans-cinnamaldehyde)-1,2-di(o-iminophenylthio)ethane). These compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses (CHN), FT-IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of these copper(I) complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination geometry around Cu(I) centers in these complexes is a distorted tetrahedron. The ca₂dapte is coordinated to Cu(I) as a tetradentate ligand in 1, while it acts as a bis-bidentate bridging ligand in 2 and 3.     

Phosphino-(α-sulfinylalkyl)phosphonium ylide complexes (Rh,Pd) with a configurationally stable asymmetric ylidic carbon

The synthesis and structure of Rh(I) and Pd(II) complexes of chiral P,C-chelating phosphino-(α-sulfinylalkyl)phosphonium ylide ligands with a trisubstituted asymmetric ylidic center P⁺–C1R(S1(O)p-Tol)–M (R = alkyl group) have been investigated, and compared to those of the analogous disubstituted ylide complexes (R = H). Reaction of the ethyl onium ylide of o-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene with (?)-menthyl-(S)-p-tolylsulfinate afforded the corresponding racemic erythro phosphino-(α-sulfinylethyl)phosphonium in 90% de (R = Me). The racemization process is interpreted by a Berry-like pseudorotation mechanism driven by the steric repulsion between the α-methyl substituent and the bulky menthyloxy S-substituent or sulfur lone pair in the intermediate ylide-sulfinyl adduct. The ylide of phosphino-(α-sulfinylethyl)phosphonium reacts with [Rh(cod)₂][PF₆] and PdCl₂(MeCN)₂ to afford the corresponding P,C1-chelated threo-Rh(I) and erythro-Pd(II) mononuclear complexes in 70% yield and total diastereoselectivity. These respective complexes act as efficient catalytic precursors for the hydrogenation of (Z)-α-acetamidocinnamic acid and allylic substitution of 3-acetoxy-1,3-diphenyl-1-propene with sodium dimethyl malonate. The bonding features of the erythro-Pd(II) complex exhibiting a sulfinyl O?Pd interaction are studied theoretically at the DFT level using ELF and MESP analyses. The η²-P,C haptomeric form of the ylide ligand is estimated to compete at 19% with the η¹-C haptomeric form dominating at 81%.     

Stabilization of the labile metal configuration in halfsandwich complexes [CpRh(PN)Hal]X

PN ligands 3 and 4, derived from 2-diphenylphosphanylmethylpyridine 2a, were synthesized, to which in the backbone a tether to a cyclopentadiene system and for comparison an ⁱPr substituent were attached. The chiral compounds were resolved by introduction of a menthoxy substituent into the 2-position of the pyridine system and/or palladium complexes with enantiomerically pure co-ligands. The tripod ligand 3b contains three different binding sites (Cp, P, N) connected by a resolved chiral carbon atom. (S_C)-configuration of this tripod ligand enforces (R_Rh)-configuration at the metal atom in the halfsandwich rhodium complex (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b. The opposite metal configuration is inaccessible. Substitution of the chloro ligand in (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b by halide (Br, I) or pseudohalide (N₃, CN, SCN) ligands occurs with retention of configuration to give complexes 8b-11b. However, in the reaction of (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b with PPh₃ the pyridine arm of the tripod ligand in compound 13b becomes detached from the metal atom. In the Cp*Rh and CpRh compounds of the bidentate PN ligands 4a and 4b both metal configurations are accessible and in complexes 14a-17a and 14b-17b they equilibrate fast. The stereochemical assignments are corroborated by 9 X-ray analyses.     

Structural characterization of triorganotin(IV) complexes with sodium fusidate and DFT calculations

Three new complexes of the steroid sodium fusidate (sodium 2-[(1S,2S,5R,6S,7S,10S,11S,13S, 14Z,15R,17R)-13-(acetyloxy)-5,17-dihydroxy-2,6,10,11-tetramethyl tetracyclo[8.7.0.0^2,7.0^11,15] heptadecan-14-ylidene]-6-methylhept-5-enoate = (NaFusidate, NaFA)]), with triorganotin(IV) moieties have been prepared and investigated by conventional techniques as FTIR, Mössbauer, ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated compounds showed stoichiometries organotin(IV)/fusidate 1/1, R₃Sn(IV)FA (R = Me, FA1; Bu, FA2; Ph, FA3). The ligand coordination sites were determined by FTIR spectroscopic measurements. In the complexes, the carboxylate group of the fusidate ligand behaves as monodentate monoanionic donor, binding the Sn(IV) through one oxygen atom.On the basis of C-Sn-O_COO angles, calculated through the rationalization of the ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer parameter nuclear quadrupole splitting, it has been confirmed that, in all the solid state complexes, the Sn(IV) was tetracoordinated in a distorted tetrahedral structure.Further data from ¹¹⁹Sn CP-MAS spectra confirmed the distorted tetrahedral arrangement.In MeOH solution, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy showed monomeric complexes, where the carboxylate group mainly acts as monodentate ester-type ligand, and the occurrence of a coordinated solvent molecule to the tin center, as validated by non-relativistic NMR DFT study.     

Copper(I) complexes of N-(aryl)pyridine-2-aldimines: Spectral, electrochemical and catalytic properties

The reactions of N-(aryl)pyridine-2-aldimines (L-R; R = OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl and NO₂), derived from pyridine-2-aldehyde and para-substituted anilines, with CuI in methanol under ambient conditions afford a series of brown complexes of the type [{Cu(L-R)I}₂]. The structure of the [{Cu(L-OCH₃)I}₂] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. In these dimeric complexes the two copper centers are linked through an iodo-bridge, and the L-R ligands are coordinated to the metal center through the pyridine-nitrogen and imine-nitrogen. All the complexes show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. These complexes also show an emission near 465 nm, whilst they are excited at 340 nm, with relatively poor quantum yields (φ ∼0.002 at 298 K). Cyclic voltammetry on all the complexes shows two successive Cu(I)-Cu(II) oxidations on the positive side of SCE, and a reduction of the coordinated imine ligand on the negative side. These copper(I) complexes are found to efficiently catalyze Suzuki type C-C coupling reactions.     

New chiral diphosphoramidite rhodium(I) complexes for asymmetric hydrogenation

Chiral 1,5‐cyclooctadiene rhodium(I) cationic complexes with C₂‐symmetric chelate diphosphoramidite ligands containing (R,R)‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane as the backbone and two atropoisomeric biaryl units were easily synthesized and fully characterized by multinuclear one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. These complexes were used as catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate, methyl 2‐acetamidoacrylate and (Z)‐methyl‐2‐acetamido‐3‐phenylacrylate. The rhodium complexes derived from diphosphoramidite ligands that contain two (R) or (S) BINOL (2,2′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl) units proved to be efficient catalysts, giving complete conversion and very good enantioselectivity (up to 88% ee). An uncommon positive H₂ pressure effect on the enantioselectivity was observed in the hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate catalyzed by Rh‐complex with diphosphoramidite ligand that contains two (S)‐binaphthol moieties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation, properties, and reactivity of carbonylrhodium(I) complexes of di(2-pyrazolylaryl)amido-pincer ligands

A series of six carbonylrhodium(I) complexes of three new and three previously reported di(2-3R-pyrazolyl)-p-Z/X-aryl)amido pincer ligands, (^RZX)Rh(CO), (R is the substituent at the 3-pyrazolyl position proximal to the metal; Z and X are the aryl substituents para- to the arylamido nitrogen) were prepared. The metal complexes were studied to assess how their properties and reactivities can be tuned by varying the groups along the ligand periphery and how they compared to other known carbonylrhodium(I) pincer derivatives. This study was facilitated by the discovery of a new CuI-catalyzed coupling reaction between 2-(pyrazolyl)-4-X-anilines (X = Me or CF₃) and 2-bromoaryl-1H-pyrazoles that allow the fabrication of pincer ligands with two different aryl arms. The NNN-pincer scaffolds provide an electron-rich environment for the carbonylrhodium(I) fragment as indicated by carbonyl stretching frequencies that occur in the range of 1948-1968 cm⁻¹. As such, the oxidative addition (OA) reactions with iodomethane proceed instantaneously to form trans-(NNN-pincer)Rh(Me)(CO)(I) in room temperature acetone solution. The OA reactions with iodoethane proceeded at a convenient rate in acetone near 45 °C which allowed detailed kinetic studies. The relative order of reactivity was found to be (CF₃CF₃)Rh(CO) < (^iPrMeMe)Rh(CO) < (^MeMeMe)Rh(CO) ∼ (CF₃Me)Rh(CO) < (MeH)Rh(CO) < (MeMe)Rh(CO) with the second order rate constant of the most reactive in the series, k₂ = 8 × 10⁻³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, being about three orders of magnitude greater than those reported for [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ or CpRh(CO)(PPh₃). After oxidative addition, the resultant rhodium(III) complexes were found to be unstable. Although a few trans-(^RMeMe)Rh(E = Me, Et, or I)(CO)(I) could be isolated in pure form, all were found to slowly decompose in solution to give different products depending on the 3R-pyrazolyl substituents. Those with unsubstituted pyrazolyls (R = H) decompose with CO dissociation to give insoluble dimeric [(^RMeMe)Rh(E)(μ-I)]₂ while those with 3-alkylpyrazolyls (R = Me, ⁱPr) decompose to give soluble, but unidentified products.     

Azulene as a ligand in cationic rhodium and iridium complexes. Crystal structure of [Rh(TFB)(az)]PF6

Rhodium or iridium complexes of formula [M(diolefin)(az)]⁺ have been prepared by treating [MCl(diolefin)]₂ complexes with silver salts and azulene, and also by treating [Rh(diolefin)₂]⁺ with azulene. The reactions of some representative complexes have been studied. Reaction of [M(C₅Me₅)(Me₂CO)₃]²⁺ with azulene appears to give dinuclear diazulene cationic complexes. The crystal structure of compound [Rh(TFB)(az)]PF₆ has been solved by X-ray methods. It crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c with cell constants 8.4241(4), 16.6911(8), 15.0026(7) Å, 95.897(6)°. Refinement gave R = 0.027 and R_w = 0.032 for 2991 observed reflexions. The Rh atom is coordinated to the five-membered ring, with RhC distances shortest for the atoms which are trans to the diolefinic double bonds. The bonding scheme within the azulene ligand differs from that in the parent hydrocarbon.     

Synthesis of Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes with chiral C2-multitopic ligands: Structural and catalytic properties

Four multitopic ligands, N,N′-bis[(S)-prolyl)phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis{[(S)-pyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis[(S)-N-benzylprolyl]phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis{[(S)-N-benzyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}phenylenediamine, were synthesised and their co-ordination properties with Rh(I) and Ir(I) studied. The complexes were prepared by the reaction of [MCl(cod)]₂ with AgPF₆ and further treatment with the ligand. All ligands form one to one [ML] species with the above metal ions. The structures of these complexes were elucidated by analytical and spectroscopic data (elemental analysis, mass spectroscopy, IR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR). Complexes show excellent activities and enantioselectivities up to 30% for the hydrogenation of prochiral olefins under mild reaction conditions.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural investigation of Zn(NCS)2(nicotinamide)2 and [Hg(SCN)2(nicotinamide)]n

Zinc(II) and mercury(II) thiocyanate complexes with nicotinamide, bis(nicotinamide-N)-bis(thiocyanato-N)zinc(II) (1) and catena-[nicotinamide-N-(μ-thiocyanato-S,N)(thiocyanato-S)mercury(II)] (2), have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray crystallographic methods. The vibrational bands of diagnostic value are compared to the values of the free ligand and the data are in good correlation with the X-ray results. Centrosymmetrical hydrogen bonded dimers are found, R₂²(10) in 1 and R₂²(8) in 2.     

Rhodium(1) carbonyl complexes with alkyl sulphoxides and sulphides

Summary Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes, namely Rh(CO)X(R₂SO)₂ (R = Me, n-Pr or n-Bu) and Rh(CO)X(R₂S)₂ (R = Me, Et or i-Pr) and X = CI or Br, have been prepared and characterized. The compounds Rh(CO)X[P(OPh)₃]₂ X = Cl or Br, have also been isolated. In the R₂SO and R₂S complexes, the carbonyl stretching frequencies occur atca. 2020–2025 cm^–1 andca. 1950–1980 cm^–1 respectively. In the R₂SO ligand containing complexes v(S-O) occurs atca. 1100–1125 cm^–1 indicative of metal-sulphur coordination. In presence of HBF₄, the addition of an excess of Me₂SO to (OC)₂Rh(-Cl)₂Rh(CO)₂ gives [Rh(Me₂SO)₆]³⁺ in which the central metal atom undergoes spontaneous oxidation from Rh¹(d⁸) to Rh^III(d⁶). The complexes have been characterized additionally by u.v.vis. spectra, conductivity measurements and by elemental analyses.     

Imidazolate bridged polynuclear rhodium(I) complexes. X-ray structure of [Rh(2-Meimidazolate)(CO)2]4

The synthesis and properties of polynuclear complexes of general formulae [M(RIm)(diolefin)_x, [M(RIm)(CO)₂]_x and [M(RIm)(CO)L]_x (M  Rh, Ir; RIm  imidazolate, 2-methylimidazolate, 2-benzylbenzimidazolate; L  PPh₃ or P(OPh)₃) are reported. The crystal structure of the novel complex [Rh(2-MeIm)-(CO)₂]₄ (2-MeIm  2-methylimidazolate) has been determined by X-ray methods. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group P2₁2₁2₁, with Z  4 in a unit cell of dimensions a 19.427(12), b 13.419(8), c 12.346(9) Å. The structure has been solved by combined Patterson and direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares to R  0.043 for 937 independent observed reflections. It consists of discrete tetrameric complexes in which each Rh atom is in a nearly cis square planar arrangement, bonded to two carbon atoms of carbonyl groups and to two nitrogen atoms of two 2-methylimidazolate ligands, each of which, acting as an exo-bidentate ligand, bridging two metal atoms, so that the four bridging 2-MeIm ligands and the four Rh atoms form a multiatomic ring.