Hydridocyanoalkyl complexes of platinum(II). Insertion of olefins into the PtH bond

The preparation and spectroscopic properties are described of some platinum(II) complexes having a hydride ligand cis or trans to an sp³ carbon, viz. trans-PtH(YCN)(PPh₃)₂ and cis-PtH(YCN)(LL) with YCN = C₂H₄CN, n-C₃H₆CN, o-CH₂C₆H₄CN and LL = bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethene or -ethane. The complexes trans-PtH(YCN)(PPh₃)₂ can add a fifth ligand in solution; the resulting five-coordinate complex was observed by ³¹P NMR in the case of PtH(C₃H₆CN)(PPh₃)₃. Insertion of olefin (ethen, 1-cyanoethene, norbornadiene, allen) into the PtH bond of the trans-hydrido complexes occurs to give cis-dialkyl complexes, but the cis-hydrido complexes are unreactive. The mechanism of insertion is discussed in terms of the kinetics and the geometries of reactants and products.     

Activation of CH bonds in acetylene and terminal alkynes by rhodium(I) species. Crystal structure of cis-(ethynyl)hydride [(NP3)Rh(H)(CCH)]BPh4·1.5C4H8O (NP3 = N(CH2CH2PPh2)3)

The 16-electron fragment (NP₃)Rh⁺ inserts in a highly stereospecific manner across CH bonds from acetylene and 1-alkynes to give the octahedral cis-(alkynyl)hydrides [(NP₃)Rh(H)(CCR)]BPh₄ (R = H, Ph, COOEt). The structure of the cis-(ethynyl)hydride [(NP₃)Rh(H)(CCH)]BPh₄ · 1.5 THF has been established by X-ray diffraction. The trigonal bipyramidal rhodium(I) complex [(NP₃)RhH], reacts with terminal alkynes to give H₂ and the neutral σ-acetylides [(NP₃)Rh(CCR)] (R = Ph, COOEt). These undergo metathesis between terminal alkynes and the σ-acetylide ligand through a mechanism involving consecutive breaking and making of CH bonds.     

The preparation and characterization of a platinum ether complex

The reaction of [Pt((F₃C)CCH(CF₃))(P(C₂H₅)₃)₂CH₃OH]PF₆ with allene in methanol affords a novel metallocyclic ethereal complex [$\text{Pt((F}{}_3\text{C)CHC(CF}{}_3\text{)C(CH}{}_3\text{)CH}{}_2\text{O}$CH₃)(P(C₂H₅)₃)₂]PF₆, which has been characterized by ¹H, ²H, ¹⁹F and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Its structure has also been determined by a single crystal X-ray analysis. The crystal are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, with cell dimensions a 20.012(5), b 17.222(5), c 8.902(3) Å and β 91.54(5)°. The structure was refined by full matrix least-squares methods on F, using 3097 unique observations collected by automated four circle diffractometer. Refinement converged at R  0.066. The Pt atom has a distorted square-planar coordination geometry, with cis P atoms, and PtP distances of 2.219(4) Å (trans to O) and 2.324(4) Å (trans to C). These results show the ethereal group is a weak ligand to platinum(II) but because of the chelating effect, its displacement by other ligands is thermodynamically not favorable. The mechanism of formation of the ethereal complex is also discussed.     

The structure of hexafluoroacetone azine bis(triphenylphosphine)platinum

The crystal structure of hexafluoroacetone azine bis(triphenylphosphine)platinum, C₄₂H₃₀F₁₂N₂P₂Pt, has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a 31.155(3), b 13.091(1), c 21.828(2) Å, β 109.23(1)° and Z = 8. Manual diffractometer methods (Cu radiation, λ 1.54050 Å) were used to obtain 5046 reflections with I_net ? 8 counts sec^?1 at 21°C. The structure was solved by the heavy atom method and was refined, including CH₂Cl₂ at occupancy 0.4 on a crystallographic 2-fold axis, by block-diagonal least-squares methods to R = 0.056. Location of the phenyl hydrogen atoms was not attempted. The platinum atom is σ-bonded to one CN of the azine ligand forming a $\text{PtCN}$ three-membered ring. Coordination about platinum consists of a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement of the phosphorus atoms and the bonded carbon and nitrogen atoms of the unsaturated ligand. The observed difference in PtP bond lengths is rationalized in terms of the trans-influence.     

Alkoxycarbene complexes of nickel(II)

Alkynylnickel complexes trans-C₆Cl₅Ni(PPhMe₂)₂CCR (IIIa, R  H; IIIb, R  Me; IIIc, R  Et; IIId, R  CH₂OH; IIIe, R  CH₂CH₂OH; IIIf, R  Ph; IIIg, R  C₆H₄OMe-p) have been prepared from trans-[C₆Cl₅Ni-(PPhMe₂)₂L]ClO₄ and monosubstituted acetylenes in the presence of triethylamine, and their reactions with alcohols in the presence of perchloric acid were studied. Complexes IIIa and IIIe afforded alkoxycarbene complexes trans-[C₆Cl₅Ni-(PPhMe₂)₂{C(OR′)Me}]ClO₄ (IVa, R′  Me; IVb, R′  Et; IVc, R′  n-Pr) or trans-C₆Cl₅Ni(PPhMe₂)₂{$\text{C(CH}{}_2\text{)}{}_3\text{O}$}]ClO₄(IVd), respectively, but IIIb either decomposed or afforded trans-C₆Cl₅Ni(PPhMe₂)₂CHC(OMe)Me, depending on the amount of acid used. Treatment of IVaIVd with amines resulted in deprotonation to give α-alkoxyvinyl complexes, trans-C₆Cl₅Ni(PPhMe₂)₂C(OR′)CH₂ (VIaVIc) or trans-C₆Cl₅Ni(PPhMe₂)₂$\text{CCHCH}{}_2\text{CH}{}_2\text{O}$ (VId), the reaction being reversible. A ¹H NMR study indicated: (i) that the carbene methyl and the vinyl protons IV or VI are D-exchangeable by MeOD without catalyst; (ii) that the basicity of VIa is comparable to those of amines; (iii) that the carbene complexes IVaIVc have two isomers due to hindered rotation about the C(carbene)O bond in solution, IVb existing in the Z-form in the solid state; (iv) that the rotationalbarriers (°G^≠) about the C(carbene)O bond in IVb and the NiC-(carbene) bond in IVd are 20 (or more) and 11.7 kcal/mol, respectively. These results are explained in term of double bond character of the carbene carbon and its surrounding atoms.     

Synthesis of ylideplatinum(II) complexes via α-functionalised alkylplatinum(II) intermediates and some comparative data on palladium(II) complexes; X-ray structure of trans-[Pt(CH2PEt3)I(PEt3)2]I

The reaction of [Pt(PEt₃)₃] with CH₂I₂ affords trans-[Pt(CH₂PEt₃)I(PEt₃)₂]I and is believed to proceed via the α-functionalised alkyl cis-[Pt(CH₂I)I(PEt₃)₂], because similar ylides are obtained from cis- or trans-[PT(CH₂X)(PPh₃)₂X] (XCl, Br, or I) with PR₃ (PEt₃, PBu₃ⁿ, PMePh₂, PEtPh₂, or PPh₃); cis-[Pd(CH₂I)-I(PPh₃)₂] does not react with excess PPh₃, but with PEt₃ yields trans-[Pd(CH₂PEt₃)I(PPh₃)₂]I; the X-ray structure of trans-[Pt(CH₂PEt₃)I(PEt₃)₂]I (current R = 0.045) shows PtP(1) 2.332(7), PtP(2) 2.341(8), PtC 2.08(2), and PtI 2.666(2) Å, and angles (a) C(1)PtI, P(1), P(2): 176.9(8), 91.6(6), 93.4(6), (b) IPtP(1), P(2): 87.1(2), 88.5(2), and (c) P(1)P(2), 166.8(3), and (d) PtC(1)P(3), 118(1)°.     

Reactivity of cyclopalladated compounds: VIII. Synthesis of cyclometallated compounds with an oxygen as the donor atom. Crystal and molecular structure of (8-methylquinoline-C,N)-(1-methoxynaphthalene-8-C,O)palladium(II)

Treatment of 1-methoxynaphthalene (MXNH) with n-butyllithium in a diethyl ether/n-hexane solution gives 1-methoxynaphthalene-8-lithium (MXNLi) in 30% yield as an insoluble material. This compound reacts with PdCl₂(SEt₂)₂ to give bis(1-methoxynaphthalene-8-C,O)palladium(II) (I)_and with PtCl₂(SEt₂)₂ to give cis- and trans-(1-methoxynaphthalene-8-C,O)(1-methoxynaphthalene-8-C)(diethylsulfide)platinum(II) (II), which are non-rigid molecules in solution. With the cyclopalladated dimers [{$\text{Pd(CN}$)Cl₂}₂], MXNLi gives the palladobicyclic compounds: ($\text{N∩C)P}$$\text{d(C∩O}$) (III). An X-ray diffraction study of compound IIIa where N∩N = 8-methylquinoline-C,N reveals the planarity of the molecule, shows that it has a cis configuration with respect to the PdC bonds, and confirms that the oxygen atom of MXN is bonded to palladium: PdO 2.236(4) Å. The geometry of IIIa is maintained in solution, whereas the corresponding compounds IIIb and IIIc in which N∩C is benzo[h]quinoline-9-C,N and N,N-dimethyl-1-naphthylamine-8-C,N, respectively, appear to be mixtures of cis and trans isomers in solution. With PMe₂Ph I and II give trans-Pd(MXN)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂ and cis-Pt(MNX)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂, respectively, in which the methoxynaphthalene is bound to the metals via the 8-carbon of the naphthalene ring. Only one phosphine ligand adds to compounds IIIb and IIIc with displacement of the O → Pd bond. One carbon monoxide ligand can be added to the platinum compound II to give Pt(MXN)₂(SEt₂)CO which in solution exists as two isomers in equilibrium.     

195Pt, 119Sn and 31P NMR studies of alkyl,aryl and acyl trichlorostannate complexes of platinum(II). The crystal structure of trans-[Pt(SnCl3)(COC6H5)(PEt3)2]

¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn and ³¹P NMR characteristics of the complexes trans-[Pt(SnCl₃)(carbon ligand)(PEt₃)₂] (1a-1e) are reported, (carbon ligand = CH₃ (1a), CH₂Ph (1b), COPh (1c), C₆Cl₅ (1d), C₆Cl₄Y (e); Y = meta- and para-NO₂, CF₃, Br, H, CH₃, OCH₃, or Pt(SnCl₃)(PEt₃)₂. The values of ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn) vary from 2376 to 11895 Hz with the COPh ligand having the smallest and the C₆Cl₅ ligand the largest value, making a total range for this coupling constant, when the dimer syn-trans-[PtCl(SnCl₃)(PEt₃)]₂ is included, of ca. 33000 Hz. In the meta- and para-substituted phenyl complexes ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn) (a) is greater for electron-withdrawing substituents, (b) varies more for the meta-substituted derivatives (5634 to 7906 Hz) than for the para analogues (6088 to 7644 Hz) and (c) has the lowest values when the Pt(SnCl₃)(PEt₃)₂ group is the meta- or para-substituent. The direction of the change in ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn) is opposite to that found for ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹P). For the aryl complexes linear correlations are observed between δ(¹¹⁹Sn), ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn), ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ³¹P), ¹J(¹¹⁹Sn, ³¹P) and the Hammett substituent constant σⁿ. δ(¹¹⁹Sn) and ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn) are related linearly to v(Pt-H) in the complexes trans-[PtH(C₆H₄Y)(PEt₃)₂]; δ(¹¹⁹Sn) and δ(¹H) (hydride) are also linearly related. Based on ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn), the acyl ligand is suggested to have a very large NMR trans influence. The differences in the NMR parameters for (1a-e) are rationalized in terms of differing σ- and π-bonding abilities of the carbon ligands.The structure of 1c has been determined by crystallographic methods. The complex has a slightly distorted square planar geometry with trans-PEt₃ ligands. Relevant bond lengths (Å) and bond angles (°) are: PtSn, 2.634(1), PtP, 2.324(4) and 2.329(4), PtC, 2.05(1); PPtP, 170.7(6), SnPtC, 173.0(3), SnPtP, 92.1(1), 91.7(1), PPtC, 88.8(4) and 88.3(4). The PtSn bond separation is the longest yet observed for square-planar platinum trichlorostannate complexes, and would be consistent with a large crystallographic trans influence of the benzoyl ligand. The PtSn bond separation is shown to correlate with ¹J(¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Metal—metal bonding in dinuclear complexes of platinum(I). The crystal and molecular structure of carbonyl(chloro)-bis-μ-[bis(diphenylphosphino)methane]diplatinum hexafluorophosphate

The structure of [Pt₂Cl(CO) (μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂] [PF₆] was determined by $\text{X}$-ray methods and refined to $\text{R}$ = 0.082, using diffractometric intensities of 5646 independent reflections. The crystals are monoclinic, space group $\text{P}$2₁/$\text{n}$, $\text{a}$ = 12.919(3), $\text{b}$ = 15.576(6), $\text{c}$ = 25.151(5)Å, β = 94.82(3)°, $\text{Z}$ = 4. They are built of octahedral hexafluorophosphate anions and dinuclear platinum(I) cations. The latter contain PtCl and PtCO fragments linked to one another by a PtPt σ-bond and by two bridging bis(diphenylphosphino)methane ligands. The platinum atoms are in square planar environments and the dihedral angle between the two coordination planes is 40.1°. Selected bond lengths are: PtPt 2.620(1), PtCl 2.384(5), PtC 1.89(3) and PtP 2.291(5) – 2.308(5)Å.     

Polymer Syntheses New York/San Francisco/London, 1977, $39.50, £28.05.

Cationic platinum(II) hydrides [HPtL₂L′]⁺ (L = phosphines) have been prepared and the ligand steric effects studied; the crystal and molecular structure of trans-[PtH(PCy₃)₂PPh₃] PF₆ is described.     

The platinum—carbon bond strength in Pt(PPh3)2(Cl)(CPhCHPh)

The enthalpies of the reactions 1 and 2 have been determined as ΔH = Pt(PPh₃)₂(CPhCPh)_cryst. + HCl_g → Pt(PPh₃)₂(Cl)(CPhCHPh)_cryst. (1) Pt(PPh₃)₂(CPhCPh)_cryst. + 2HCl_g → cis-Pt(PPh₃)₂Cl_2cryst. + trans-CHPhCHPh_g (2) ?90.2 ± 6 and ΔH = ?139.0 ± 16 kJ mol^?1, respectively; dissociation energies of bonds involving platinum are expressed by the relationship: 41 kJ mol^?1 + D(Pt-tolane) = 2D(PtCPhCHPh) = {D₁(PtCl) + D₂(PtCl)} ?350 kJ mol^?1     

A new synthesis of platinum—carbon bonds

Syntheses of cis-[PtCl(CH₂COCH₃)(PEt₃)₂], cis-[PtCl(CH₂NO₂) (PEt₃)₂], and trans-[Pt(CCPh)₂ (PEt₃)₂] are described. The procedure involves reaction of cis-[PtCl₂(PEt₃)₂] with Ag₂O and acidic CH bonds to precipitate AgC1 and generate a PtC bond. The method may represent a new general route to platinum—carbon bonds.     

Perspectives in the syntheses of novel organometallic compounds using metal carbonyl anions

The molecular structure of [(C₆H₅)₃P]₂Pt(C₅H₈) has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray diffraction data (R = 0.045 for 6033 reflections). The crystal belongs to the triclinic system, space group P$\text{1}$, with two formula units in a cell of dimensions: a = 18.557(2), b = 10.216(2), c = 9.647(2) Å, α = 98.29 (3), β = 73.44(2), and γ = 88.34(2)°.One of the olefinic bonds of dimethylallene, which has no adjacent methyl groups, is coordinated to the platinum atom: PtC(1) = 2.108(8), PtC(2) = 2.049(7) Å. The coordinated dimethylallene molecule is no longer linear, the C(1)C(2)C(3) angle being 140.8(8)°, which is significantly smaller than that found in [(C₆H₅)₃P]₂Pd(C₃H₄). The C(1)C(2) distance is 1.430(11) Å, whereas the uncoordinated bond distance is normal [C(2)C(3) = 1.316(11)Å].     

Synthesis and spectral studies on platinum complexes with mono- and bidentate N-donor organic ligands

Platinum(II) complexes of types PtLX₂, PtL₂X₂, PtLX″ and the Pt(IV) complexes PtLXY (where L = mono- or bidentate organic ligand containing nitrogen donor atoms; X = Cl or Br; X′ = oxalate or malonate and Y = Br) have been synthesized and characterized from their elemental analysis, IR and X-ray photoelectron spectral data. The Pt 4f_7/2 binding energies indicate that 1,8-naphthalene-diamine ligand is a better donor of electron density to the metal than other ligands studied here. The Cl 2p_3/2 binding energies in the square planar Pt(II) complexes are observed in the range 198.8 ± 0.8 eV. The ν (PtCl) vibrations (ca 335 and 320 cm^?1) corresponding to two cis-Cl ligands were observed in the IR spectra.The extent of the interaction between cis-dichloro-bis-(theophylline)platinum(II) with calf thymus DNA has beenstudied. The UV difference spectra resulting from aquated Pt^II(theoph)₂-DNA interaction exhibit bands at 282 and 292 nm attributable to the change in the electron distribution of the base moieties induced by binding with platinum and due to the loss of base stacking. Melting profiles for the DNA samples treated with Pt-complex showed decrease in the melting temperature. Binding of the guanine residues of the DNA, involving probably (N7)-0(6) positions to the metal is implied.     

Synthesis,structure and bonding situation of [(dcpe)Pt(InCp*)2] and {(dcpe)Pt[GaC(SiMe3)3]2}—two novel examples of platinum complexes of low valent Group 13 metal species

In analogy to the corresponding Cp*Al- and Cp*Ga-compounds two further bis(phosphine)platinum complexes [(dcpe)Pt(InCp*)₂] (1(In)) and {(dcpe)Pt[GaC(SiMe₃)₃]₂} (2(Ga)) containing monovalent Group 13 metal species as ligands are accessible by thermal activation of [(dcpe)Pt(H)(CH₂t-Bu)] (dcpe=bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane) followed by the reaction with 2 equiv. of InCp* (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) or GaC(SiMe₃)₃. The crystal structure analysis reveals a distorted tetrahedral coordination of the platinum center for both compounds. The PtIn distances in 1(In) amount to 2.569(1) and 2.556(1) Å. The PtGa distances in 2(Ga) are exceptionally short and amount to 2.315(1) and 2.318(1) Å. Comparative theoretical investigations have been performed on this type of complexes and allow a deeper insight in the bonding situation. The NBO analysis reveals a significantly larger Pt→Ga π-back-donation for the model compound {(dhpe)Pt[GaC(SiH₃)₃]₂} (2M(Ga)) (0.44 e; dhpe=1,2-diphosphinoethane) in comparison with the related model compound [(dhpe)Pt(GaCp)₂] (1M(Ga)) (0.29 e) bearing a strong π-donating organic ligand at the Ga center. A similar trend is observed for the PtGa bond dissociation energies (D_e=33.0 kcal mol⁻¹ for 2M(Ga), D_e=18.3 kcal mol⁻¹ for 1M(Ga)). For the model compound [(dhpe)Pt(InCp)₂] (1M(In)) a value of D_e=19.1 kcal mol⁻¹ has been calculated.     

Cyanoalkyl complexes of transition metals . : II. Preparation and properties of some platinum complexes containing phosphorus as a donor atom

cis-PtCl(CH₂CN)(PPh₃)₂ was obtained by the reaction of Pt(PPh₃)₄ with ClCH₂CN in acetone. A solution of Pt(PPh₃)₄ and ClCH₂CN in benzene was heated under reflux to give trans-PtCl(CH₂CN)(PPh₃)₂. The reaction of the trans-isomer with Br^?, I^?, Ph₂PCH₂CH₂ PPh₂, Ph₂PCH₂CH₂AsPh₂ and cisPh₂PCHCHPPh₂ has been examined. The trans-influence of a ligand trans to the CH₂CN group seems to be indicated by the ²J(PtH) of the CH₂CN protons. The τ values of trans-PtX(CH₂CN)(PPh₃)₂ and PtX(CH₂ CN)(PP) (X = Cl, Br, I) are related by a linear function.     

Preparation of cationic chelate ylide complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II)

Cationic palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with chelate ylides and neutral ligands of the type, [MCl (Y) (L)]⁺BPh₄^? (M  Pd or Pt; Y  bdep or bdmp*; L = 4-methylpyridine, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole, PPh₃, PCy₃, PMePh₂, P(OMe)₃, AsPh₃ or SbPh₃) and [M(bdep) (4-methylpyridine)₂] (BPh₄)₂ (M = Pd or Pt) were prepared and characterized by means of infrared and ¹H NMR spectra.     

The spectroscopic and structural characterization of trans-hydrido(1,1-dimethylallene(bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)platinum(II) hexafluorophosphate

The platinum hydride cation, trans-[PtH(CH₃OH)(P(C₆H₁₁)₃)₂]⁺ reacts with 1,1-dimethylallene at room temperature in dichloromethane to lose methanol and form an allene complex which has been characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Crystals grown from a mixture of hexane and o-dichlorobenzene are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, with cell dimensions a 14.807(2), b 29.404(7), c 11.621(2) Å and β 90.75(1)°. There are four units of trans-[PtH(C₅H₈)(P(C₆H₁₁)₃)₂]PF₆, C₆H₄Cl₂ in the cell. Three dimensional X-ray data collected by diffractometer techniques have permitted full matrix least-squares refinement to a conventional agreement factor R = 0.052. The platinum atom has a square planar coordination geometry, with the planar allene ligand bonded at an angle of 89.2(6)° to the coordination plane, and PtC distances of 2.305(10) and 2.233(10) Å.     

Transition metal complexes of hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane

The displacement of tetrahydrofuran (THF) from W(CO)₅(THF) with hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane yields a compound with a carbon-metal bond (CO)₅W C[P(C₆H₅)₃]₂. The in situ photolysis of tungsten hexacarbonyl and hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane, however, yields a product (CO)₅W^?CC ⁺P(C₆H₅)₃. Ethylenebis(triphenylphosphine)platinum and hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane in benzene yield a platinum containing heterocycle [(C₆H₅)₃P]₂$\text{PtC[ P(C}{}_6\text{H}{}_5\text{)}{}_3\text{]P}$-(C₆H₅)₃.     

Reactivity of cationic methyl rhodium(III) complexes cis-[Rh(β-diket)(PPh3)2(CH3)(CH3CN)][BPh4] toward ligands of different character: pyridine, carbon monoxide, and triphenylphosphine

Cationic methyl complex of rhodium(III), cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(Py)][BPh₄] (1) as a single isomer with Py in the trans to PPh₃ position, is formed upon the reaction of cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] with pyridine in methylene chloride solution.Complex 1 was characterized by elemental analysis and by ³¹P{¹H} and ¹H NMR spectra.Cationic pentacoordinate acetyl complexes, trans-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(COCH₃)][BPh₄] (2) and trans-[Rh(BA)(PPh₃)₂(COCH₃)][BPh₄] (3), are prepared by action of carbon monoxide on cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] and cis-[Rh(BA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄], respectively, in methylene chloride solutions.Complexes 2 and 3 were characterized by elemental analysis and by IR, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹³C{¹H} and ¹H NMR. According to NMR data, 2 and 3 in solution are non-fluxional trigonal bipyramids with β-diketonate and acetyl ligands in the equatorial plane and axial phosphines.In solutions, 2 and 3 gradually isomerize into octahedral methyl carbonyl complexes trans-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CO)(CH₃)][BPh₄] (4) and trans-[Rh(BA)(PPh₃)₂(CO)(CH₃)][BPh₄] (5), respectively.Complexes 4 and 5 were characterized by IR, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹³C{¹H} and ¹H NMR, without isolation.Upon the action of PPh₃ on cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] and cis-[Rh(BA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)] [BPh₄], reductive elimination of the methyl ligand as a phosphonium salt, [CH₃PPh₃][BPh₄], occurs to give square planar rhodium(I) complexes [Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂] and[Rh(BA)(PPh₃)₂], respectively. The reaction products were identified in the reaction mixtures by ³¹P{¹H} and ¹H NMR.