New synthesis of [RhH{P(OPh)3}4] and related reactions

Summary A synthesis of [RhH{P(OPh)₃}₄] (1) from [Rh(acac){P(OPh)₃}₂] or [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] has been developed. The reaction of theortho-metallated complex (2) with H₂, leading to (1) is described.     

Synthesis and reactivity of rhodium(I) complexes of the type Rh(L-L)(CO)[P(OPh)3] and Rh(L-L)[P(OPh)3]2

Summary The carbonyl ligands in the Rh¹ complexes Rh(L-L)(CO)₂ [L-L=anthranilate (AA) orN-phenylanthranilate(FA) ions] are replaced by P(OPh)₃ to form the mono-or disubstituted products, Rh(L-L)(CO)[P(OPh)₃] and Rh(L-L)[P(OPh)₃]₂ respectively depending on the [P(OPh)₃]/[Rh] molar ratio, at room temperature and in air. Under argon at [P(OPh)₃]/[Rh]4 theortho-metallated Rh¹ complex Rh[P(OPh)₃]₃[P(OC₆H₄)-OPh)₂] is formed. The new route forortho-metallated Rh¹ complex synthesis is described.The Rh(AA)(CO)₂ complex was used as a catalyst precursor in hydroformylation of olefins.     

Oxidative addition of different electrophiles with rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of unsymmetrical phosphine–phosphine monoselenide ligands

Dimeric chlorobridge complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with two equivalents of a series of unsymmetrical phosphine–phosphine monoselenide ligands, Ph₂P(CH₂)_nP(Se)Ph₂ {n = 1( a ), 2( b ), 3( c ), 4( d )}to form chelate complex [Rh(CO)Cl(P∩Se)] ( 1a ) {P∩Se = η²‐(P,Se) coordinated} and non‐chelate complexes [Rh(CO)₂Cl(P～Se)] ( 1b–d ) {P～Se = η¹‐(P) coordinated}. The complexes 1 undergo oxidative addition reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl and I₂ to produce Rh(III) complexes of the type [Rh(COR)ClX(P∩Se)] {where R = ? C₂H₅ ( 2a ), X = I; R = ? CH₂C₆H₅ ( 3a ), X = Cl}, [Rh(CO)ClI₂(P∩Se)] ( 4a ), [Rh(CO)(COCH₃)ClI(P～Se)] ( 5b–d ), [Rh(CO)(COH₅)ClI‐(P～Se)] ( 6b–d ), [Rh(CO)(COCH₂C₆H₅)Cl₂(P～Se)] ( 7b–d ) and [Rh(CO)ClI₂(P～Se)] ( 8b–d ). The kinetic study of the oxidative addition (OA) reactions of the complexes 1 with CH₃I and C₂H₅I reveals a single stage kinetics. The rate of OA of the complexes varies with the length of the ligand backbone and follows the order 1a > 1b > 1c > 1d . The CH₃I reacts with the different complexes at a rate 10–100 times faster than the C₂H₅I. The catalytic activity of complexes 1b–d for carbonylation of methanol is evaluated and a higher turnover number (TON) is obtained compared with that of the well‐known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]^?. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The reaction of mixtures of [Rh4(CO)12] and triphenylphosphite with carbon monoxide or syngas as studied by high-resolution, high-pressure NMR spectroscopy

The fragmentation and redistribution reactions of [Rh4(CO)12-x{P(OPh)3}x] (x = 1-4) with carbon monoxide have been studied using high-resolution, high-pressure NMR spectroscopy. Under the conditions of efficient gas mixing in a high-pressure NMR bubble column, [Rh4(CO)9{P(OPh)3}3] fragments to give mainly [Rh2(CO)6{P(OPh)3}2]; [Rh4(CO)11{P(OPh)3}] is also observed,implying redistribution of the phosphite ligand and/or recombination of the dimers to tetrameric clusters. Fragmentation of[Rh4(CO)10{P(OPh)3}2] is found to be pressure-dependent giving predominantly [Rh2(CO)6{P(OPh)3}2] at low CO pressure (1-40 bar), and increasing amounts of [Rh2(CO)7{P(OPh)3}] at higher (40-80 bar) pressure. Using Syngas (CO : H2 (1 : 1)) instead of CO in the above fragmentations, homolytic addition of H2 to the dimer [Rh2(CO)6{P(OPh)3}2] to give [RhH(CO)3{P(OPh3}] and [RhH(CO)2{P(OPh)3}2] is observed. The distribution of tetrameric species obtained is similar to that obtained under the same partial pressure of CO. On depressurisation/out-gassing of the sample, the original mixture of tetrameric clusters is obtained.     

Preparation and properties of some cationic norbornadiene rhodium(I) complexes with triarylphosphines

Summary The synthesis of [Rh(NBD){P(p-RC₆H₄)₃}₂]A complexes (A=ClO ₄ ^– or BPh ₄ ^– ; R=Cl, F, Me or MeO) is described. Treatment of these complexes with molecular hydrogen leads to the isolation of [RhH₂{P(p-RC₆H₄)₃}₂(OCMe₂)₂]ClO₄ or Rh{P(p-RC₆H₄)₃}₂PhBPh₃. These latter complexes contain tetraphenylborate coordinated to the metalvia arene interaction. [Rh(CO)₃{P(p-RC₆H₄)₃}₂]ClO₄ complexes have been isolated by carbonylations. The use of these complexes as homogeneous hydroformylation catalysts is also briefly investigated.     

Platinum,iridium and rhodium complexes with substituted bis-(diphenylphosphino)methane ligands Ph2PCH(R)PPh2 (R = Me,Ph or SiMe3)

Substituted phosphines of the type Ph₂PCH(R)PPh₂ and their Pt^II complexes [PtX₂{Ph₂PCH(R)PPh₂}] (R = Me, Ph or SiMe₃; X = halide) were prepared. Treatment of [PtCl₂(NCBu^t)₂] with Ph₂PCH(SiMe₃)-PPh₂ gave [PtCl₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)], while treatment with Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂ gave [Pt{Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂}₂]Cl₂. Reaction of p-MeC₆H₄C≡CLi or PhC≡CLi with [PtX₂{Ph₂PCH(Me)PPh₂}] gave [Pt(C≡CC₆H₄Me-p)₂-{Ph₂PCH(Me)PPh₂}] (X = I) and [Pt{Ph₂PC(Me)PPh₂}₂](X = Cl),while reaction of p-MeC₆H₄C≡CLi with [Pt{Ph₂PCH(Ph)PPh₂}₂]Cl₂ gave [Pt{Ph₂PC(Ph)PPh₂}₂]. The platinum complexes [PtMe₂(dpmMe)] or [Pt(CH₂)₄(dpmMe)] fail to undergo ring-opening on treatment with one equivalent of dpmMe [dpmMe = Ph₂PCH(Me)PPh₂]. Treatment of [Ir(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₂] with two equivalents of dpmMe gave [Ir(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl. The PF₆ salt was also prepared. Treatment of [Ir(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl with [Cu(C≡CPh)₂], [AgCl(PPh₃)] or [AuCl(PPh₃)] failed to give heterobimetallic complexes. Attempts to prepare the dinuclear rhodium complex [Rh₂(CO)₃(μ-Cl)(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄ using a procedure similar to that employed for an analogous dpm (dpm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) complex were unsuccessful. Instead, the mononuclear complex [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄ was obtained. The corresponding chloride and PF₆ salts were also prepared. Attempts to prepare [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl in CHCl₃ gave [RhHCl(dpmMe)₂]Cl. Recrystallization of [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄ from CHCl₃/EtOH gave [RhO₂(dpmMe)₂]BPh₄. Treatment of [Rh(CO)₂Cl₂]₂ with one equivalent of dpmMe per Rh atom gave two compounds, [Rh(CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl and a dinuclear complex that undergoes exchange at room temperature between two formulae: [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ-Cl)(μ-CO)(dpmMe)₂]Cl and [Rh₂(CO)₂-(μ-Cl)(dpmMe)₂]Cl. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Permetalloplumbanes: Preparation of [Pb{Co(CO)3(L)}4] and [Pb{Fe(CO)2(NO)(L)}4].: Complexes containing four transition metal to lead bonds (L = tertiary arsine,phosphine or phosphite).

The sole and unexpected products from the reactions of a variety of lead (II) and lead (IV) compounds with [Co₂(CO)₆(L)₂] complexes (L = tertiary arsine, phosphine, or phosphite) in refluxing benzene solution are the blue, air-stable percobaltoplumbanes [Pb{Co(CO)₃(L)}₄]. These have also been obtained from the reaction of Na[Co(CO)₃(L)] (L  PBu₃ⁿ) with lead (II) acetate which with Na[Fe(CO)₂(NO)(L)] forms the isoelectronic [Pb{Fe(CO)₂(NO)(L)}₄] [L  P(OPh)₃]. The IR spectra of the complexes in the v(CO) and v(NO) regions are consistent with tetrahedral PbCo₄ or PbFe₄ fragments, trigonal bipyramidal coordination about the cobalt or iron atoms and linear PbCoAs, PbCoP, or PbFeP systems. Unlike [Pb{Co(CO)₄}₄], our complexes do not dissociate to [Co(CO)₃(L)]^? or [Fe(CO)₂(NO)(L)]^? ions when dissolved in donor solvents.     

Reactions of theortho-metallated rhodium(I) complex of the formula Rh[P(OC6H4)(OPh)2][P(OPh)3]3 with HX molecules

Summary Theortho-metallated complex [RhP₃Pt] [P=P(OPh)₃, P=P(OC₆H₄)(OPh)₂] was obtained in the reaction of [RhP₄]ClO₄ with KOH. It reacts easily with proton donors HX (X=ClO₄, F, Cl, SCN, or acetylacetonate) to produce complexes [RhP₃X] when X is a strong donor. If X is a weaker donor (X=ClO₄ or F), pentacoordinate compounds of the type [PhP₄X] are formed. [RhP₃P] reacts with acetylacetone (Hacac) to produce [Rh(acac)P₂].     

Synthesis of octahedral carbonyl complexes of manganese(I) with SCN or CN ligands. Crystal structure of fac-[SCNMn(CO)3(dppm)]

The complexes fac-[XMn(CO)₃(dppm)], cis,cis-[XMn(CO)₂(dppm)(P(OPh)₃)] and trans-[XMn(CO)(dppm)₂] with X = SCN or CN have been prepared from the corresponding bromocarbonyls and the salts AgX or KX, or, in the case of the di- and mono-carbonyls, from fac-[XMn(CO)₃(dppm)] with X = SCN or CN by thermal or photochemical CO substitution by the ligands P(OPh)₃ or dppm. The structure of fac-[SCNMn(CO)₃(dppm)] has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, and the structure has been refined to R = 0.058 for 4123 reflexions measured in the range 2 ⩽ θ ⩽ 30 at room temperature. The cis,cis-[NCMn(CO)₂(dppm)(P(OPh)₃)] complex can be oxidized and subsequently reduced to the isomer trans-[NCMn(CO)₂(dppm)(P(OPh)₃)]. All the neutral cyanide complexes react readily with MeI and KPF₆ to give the corresponding methylisocyanide derivatives [Mn(CO)₂(dppm)(P(OPh)₃)(CNMe)]PF₆ and [Mn(CO)(dppm)₂(CNMe)]PF₆. The stereochemistries of the compounds is discussed in relation to the ³¹P NMR spectra.     

Di- and tri-nuclear molybdenum-palladium complexes bearing strong π-acceptor “P-N-P” ligands, MeN{P(OR)2}2 (R = CH2CF3 or Ph)

The dipalladium complexes, [PdCl(μ-MeN{P(OR)₂}₂)]₂ (R = CH₂CF₃, 1a; Ph, 1b) react with [Mo₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₆] in boiling benzene to afford the molybdenum-palladium heterometallic complexes, [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CO)Mo(μ-MeN{P(OR)₂}₂)₂PdCl] (R = CH₂CF₃, 3a; Ph, 3b), [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Mo(μ₃-CO)₂(μ-MeN{P(OR)₂}₂)₂Pd₂Cl], (R = CH₂CF₃, 5a; Ph, 5b), [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(Cl)Mo(μ₂-CO)(μ₂-Cl)(μ-MeN{P(OR)₂}₂)PdCl], (R = CH₂CF₃, 6a; Ph, 6b) and also the mononuclear complex [Mo(CO)Cl(η⁵-C₅H₅)(κ²-MeN{P(OR)₂}₂)], (R = Ph, 4b). These complexes have been separated by column chromatography and are characterised by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} NMR data. The structures of 1a, 3a, 4b, 5b and 6a have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The CO ligands in 5b and 6a adopt a semi-bridging mode of bonding; the Mo-CO distances (1.95-1.97 Å) are shorter than the Pd-CO distances (2.40-2.48 Å). The Pd-Mo distances fall in the range, 2.63-2.86 Å. The reaction of [Mo₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₆] with MeN{P(OPh)₂}₂ in toluene gives [Mo₂(CO)₄(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(κ¹-MeN{P(OPh)₂}₂)₂] (2) in which the diphosphazane acts as a monodentate ligand.     

31P-NMR and X-ray studies of new rhodium(I) β-ketoiminato complexes Rh(R1C(O)CHC(NH)R2)(CO)(PZ3) where PZ3=PPh3, PCy3, P(OPh)3 or P(NC4H4)3

The substitution of the CO ligand in rhodium(I) β-ketoiminato complexes Rh(R₁{O,N}R₂)(CO)₂ ({O,N}=R₁C(O)CHC(NH)R₂; R₁, R₂=CF₃, Me, CMe₃ in several combinations) by phosphorus ligands PZ₃ (PZ₃=PCy₃, PPh₃, P(OPh)₃, P(NC₄H₄)₃) leads to Rh(R₁{O,N}R₂)(CO)(PZ₃) complexes characterised by ³¹P{¹H}-NMR and X-ray methods. The stronger σ-donor PZ₃ ligands (PZ₃=PCy₃, PPh₃) substitute almost exclusively the CO group trans to N, forming P-trans-to-N isomers. The complexes Rh(CF₃{O,N}Me)(CO)(PCy₃) (II), Rh(CF₃{O,N}CMe₃)(CO)(PCy₃) (III), Rh(CF₃{O,N}Me)(CO)(PPh₃) (IV) and Rh(CF₃{O,N}CMe)(CO)(PPh₃) (V) are of a square-planar geometry with a slight tetrahedral distortion around the rhodium atom in II, III and V. The RhP(PCy₃) bonds are slightly longer than the RhP(PPh₃) bonds. The reaction of stoichiometric amounts of the less basic P(OPh)₃ or P(NC₄H₄)₃ ligands leads to the formation of both isomers of the Rh(R₁{O,N}R₂)(CO)(P(OPh)₃) or Rh(R₁{O,N}R₂)(CO)(P(NC₄H₄)₃) complex in comparable yields. The RhP(P(OPh)₃) distance (2.195(2) Å) in the isomer of Rh(CF₃{O,N}CMe₃)(CO)(P(OPh)₃) with P(OPh)₃ coordinated trans to N (VI) is ca. 0.04 Å longer than in the isomer of that complex with P(OPh)₃ coordinated trans to O (VII). The CO substitution in Rh(R₁{O,N}R₂)(CO)₂ by PZ₃ ligands (PPh₃, PCy₃, P(OPh)₃) causes the shortening of the RhC(CO) bond by ca. 0.04 Å compared to Rh(CF₃{O,N}Me)(CO)₂ (I), making difficult the coordination of another PZ₃ ligand, especially one with stronger σ-donor properties. The more π-acceptor P(OPh)₃ ligands form bis-phosphito complexes and Rh(CF₃{O,N}CMe₃){P(OPh)₃}₂ (VIII) exhibits inequivalence of the two P(OPh)₃ ligands in solution (³¹P-NMR) as well as in solid form (X-ray).     

Dirhodium(II) dicarboxylato complexes containing carbonyl and C-bonded methoxycarbonyl ligands

Oxidation of rhodium(I) carbonyl chloride, [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂, with copper(II) acetate or isobutyrate in methanol solutions yields binuclear double carboxylato bridged rhodium(II) complexes with RhRh bonds, [Rh(μ-OOCRκO)(COOMeκC)(CO)(MeOH)]₂, where R=CH₃ or i-C₃H₇. According to X-ray data, surrounding of each rhodium atom in these complexes is close to octahedral and consists of another rhodium atom, two oxygens of carboxylato ligands, terminal carbonyl group, C-bonded methoxycarbonyl ligand, and axial CH₃OH. Methoxycarbonyl ligand is shown to originate from CO group of the parent [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ and OCH₃ group of solvent. N- and P-donor ligands L (p-CH₃C₆H₄NH₂, P(OPh)₃, PPh₃, PCy₃) readily replace the axial MeOH yielding [Rh(μ-OOCRκO)(COOMeκC)(CO)(L)]₂. The X-ray data for the complex with R=i-C₃H₇, L=PPh₃ showed the same molecular outline as with L=MeOH. Electronic effects of axial ligands L on the spectral parameters of terminal carbonyl group are essentially the same as in the known series of rhodium(I) complexes (an increase of δ¹³C and a decrease of ν(CO) with strengthening of σ-donor and weakening of π-acceptor ability of L).     

Synthesis and structure of a new rhodium(I) complex [Rh{P(OPh)3}3CN]

Summary The [Rh(acac){P(OPh)₃)}₂] complex (Hacac = 2,4-pentadione) reacts in solution with gaseous HCN in the presence of P(OPh)₃ to give [Rh{P(OPh)₃}₃CN]. Structural investigations of this complex including its³¹P n.m.r. spectra are reported.     

Iron(0), rhodium(I) and palladium(II) complexes with p‐(N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl) diphenylphosphine and the application of the palladium complex as a catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction

The reaction of p‐(N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)diphenylphosphine [PPh₂(p‐C₆H₄NMe₂)] with [Fe₃(CO)₁₂], [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ and PdCl₂ resulted in three new mononuclear complexes, {Fe(CO)₄[η¹‐(P)‐PPh₂(p‐C₆H₄NMe₂)]} ( 1a ), trans‐{Rh(CO)Cl[η¹‐(P)‐PPh₂(p‐C₆H₄NMe₂)]₂} ( 2 ) and trans‐{PdCl₂[η¹‐(P)‐PPh₂(p‐C₆H₄NMe₂)]₂} ( 3 ), respectively. A small amount of dinuclear nonmetal‐metal bonded complex, {Fe₂(CO)₈[µ‐(P,N)‐PPh₂(p‐C₆H₄NMe₂)]} ( 1b ), was also isolated as a side product in the reaction of [Fe₃(CO)₁₂]. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, mass, IR, UV–vis, ¹H, ¹³C (except 1b) and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. The Pd complex 3 effectively catalyzes the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of aryl halides with arylboronic acids in water–isopropanol (1:1) at room temperature. Excellent yields (up to 99% isolated yield) were achieved. The effects of different solvents, bases, catalyst quantities were also evaluated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Coordination and Activation of AlH and GaH Bonds

The modes of interaction of donor‐stabilized Group 13 hydrides (E=Al, Ga) were investigated towards 14‐ and 16‐electron transition‐metal fragments. More electron‐rich N‐heterocyclic carbene‐stabilized alanes/gallanes of the type NHC?EH₃ (E=Al or Ga) exclusively generate κ² complexes of the type [M(CO)₄(κ²‐H₃E?NHC)] with [M(CO)₄(COD)] (M=Cr, Mo), including the first κ² σ‐gallane complexes. β‐Diketiminato (′nacnac′)‐stabilized systems, {HC(MeCNDipp)₂}EH₂, show more diverse reactivity towards Group 6 carbonyl reagents. For {HC(MeCNDipp)₂}AlH₂, both κ¹ and κ² complexes were isolated, while [Cr(CO)₄(κ²‐H₂Ga{(NDippCMe)₂CH})] is the only simple κ² adduct of the nacnac‐stabilized gallane which can be trapped, albeit as a co‐crystallite with the (dehydrogenated) gallylene system [Cr(CO)₅(Ga{(NDippCMe)₂CH})]. Reaction of [Co₂(CO)₈] with {HC(MeCDippN)₂}AlH₂ generates [(OC)₃Co(μ‐H)₂Al{(NdippCme)₂CH}][Co(CO)₄] ( 12 ), which while retaining direct Al?H interactions, features a hitherto unprecedented degree of bond activation in a σ‐alane complex.     

α-Pyridinecarboxylate complexes of rhodium

The complex Rh(pyc)(NBD) (pyc = α-pyridinecarboxylate anion, NBD = 2,5-norbornadiene) reacts with carbon monoxide with displacement of the diolefin and formation of Rh(pyc)(CO)₂. Addition of triarylphosphines to the latter compound causes the formation of complexes of the type Rh(pyc)(CO)[P(p-RC₆H₄)₃] (R = F, Cl, Me, MeO). The addition of iodine, bromine or methyl iodide to solutions of the monocarbonyl derivatives leads to the formation of RhX₂(pyc)(CO)[P(p-RC₆H₄)₃] (X = I, Br) and RhMeI(pyc)(CO)[P(p-RC₆H₄)₃] complexes.     

A non-closed tetranuclear metal cluster derivative of rhodium and iron: synthesis and molecular structure

The structure of one isomer of [Rh₃Fe{P(C₆H₅)₂}₃(CO)₈], synthesised by treatment of [ {Rh(CO)₂Cl} ₂] with [Fe(CO)₄ {P(C₆H₅)₂H} ] in the presence of a base, has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffration. This species rearranges in solution to a second isomer whose structure has been elucidated by ³¹P NMR spectral measurements. The reactions of these compounds with carbon monoxide are described.     

Preparation and molecular structures of some complexes containing C5 chains

Complexes containing a Co₃ cluster linked to SiMe₃, Au(PPh₃), W(CO)₃Cp and Fc groups by a C₅ chain have been prepared by elimination of AuBr(PR₃) (R=Ph, tol) in the reactions between Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ and {(R₃P)Au}CCCCX [X=SiMe₃, W(CO)₃Cp] or {(OC)₇(μ-dppm)Co₃}CCC{Au(PPh₃)} and FcCCI (X=Fc). Subsequent auro-desilylation of the SiMe₃ compound affords {(OC)₇(μ-dppm)Co₃}CCCCC{Au[P(tol)₃]}. Single-crystal X-ray structures of the W(CO)₃Cp, Au{P(tol)₃} and Fc complexes are reported. The C₅ chain shows little departure from a formal CCCCC fragment.     

Carbonylrhodium complexes of pyridine ligands and their catalytic activity towards carbonylation of methanol

The cis‐[Rh(CO)₂ClL] (1) complexes, where L = 2‐methylpyridine (a), 3‐methylpyridine (b), 4‐methylpyridine (c), 2‐phenylpyridine (d), 3‐phenylpyridine (e), 4‐phenylpyridine (f), undergo oxidative addition reactions with various electrophiles, like CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl or I₂, to yield complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(COR)ClXL] (2) (where R = CH₃ (i), C₂H₅ (ii), X = I; R = C₆H₅CH₂ (iii), X = Cl) or [Rh(CO)ClI₂L] (3) and [Rh(CO)₂ClI₂L] (4). The pseudo‐first‐order rate constants of CH₃I addition with complexes 1 containing pyridine (g) and 2‐substituted pyridine (a and d) ligands were found to follow the order pyridine >2‐methylpyridine >2‐phenylpyridine. The catalytic activity of complexes 1 containing different pyridine ligands (a–g) on carbonylation of methanol was studied and, in general, a higher turnover number was obtained compared with that of the well‐known species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]^?. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reduction products of dinuclear [Rh2Cl2(CO)2 {μ-(PhO)2PN(Et)P(OPh)2}2]. Crystal structure of [Rh2HgCl(μ-H)(CO)2 {μ-(PhO)2PN(Et)P(OPh)2}2]

Treatment of [Rh₂Cl₂(CO)₂ {μ-(PhO)₂PN(Et)P(OPh)₂}₂] with various reducing agents gives a number of products, the type depending on the conditions employed. The products isolated include [Rh₂(CO)₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Et)P(OPh)₂}₂], [Rh₂(CO)₃{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Et)P(OPh)₂}₂],and [Rh₂HgCl(μ-H)(CO)₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Et)P(OPh)₂}₂]; the structure of the last complex was determined by X-ray diffraction.