Synthesis and structure of FeRu3(CO)13(μ-PPh2)2; A “64-electron” cluster complex with a planar triangulated rhomboidal array of metal atoms

The species FeRu₃(CO)₁₃(μ-PPH₂)₂, synthesized from Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and Fe(CO)₄(Ph₂PPPh₂),has been characterized both spectroscopically and via a single-crystal X-ray structural analysis. This complex crystallizes in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P$\text{1}$ [No. 2, C_i¹] with a  10.066(3), b  12.899(3), c  17.003(4) Å, α  111.89(2), β  91.02(2), γ  102.00(2)°, V  1992.7(9) ų, Z  2, ?(obsd)  1.79(2) g cm^-3 and ?(calcd)  1.82 cm^-3. Diffraction data were collected with a Syntex P2₁ automated four-circle diffractometer and the structure was refined to R_F  6.0% and R_WF  3.6% for all 5213 reflections (R_F  3.8%, R_WF  3.6% for those 4140 reflections with |F_o|> 3σ(|F_o|).The metal atoms define a planar triangulated rhombus, with atoms Ru(1) and Ru(2) at the bridgehead, and Fe(1) and Ru(3) at the acute apices. Fe(1) is linked to four terminal carbonyl ligands and is associated with the heteronuclear bonds Fe(1)Ru(1)  2.861(1) Å and Fe(1)Ru(2)  2.868(1) Å. The ruthenium atoms are each bonded to three terminal carbonyl groups. The retheniumruthenium distances are Ru(1)Ru(2)  3.098(1), Ru(1)Ru(3)  3.147(1), and Ru(2)Ru(3)  3.171(1) Å. The structure is completed by Ph₂P bridges across the Ru(1)Ru(3) and Ru(2)(ru(3) vectors (<Ru(1)P(1)Ru(3)  84.89(5)° and <Ru(2)P(2)Ru(3)  85.56(6)°).     

Kristall- und Molekülstruktur von tricarbonyl(η4-3,4-dimethyl-thiophen-1,1-dioxid)eisen

A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of tricarbonyl(η⁴-3,4-dimethyl-thiophene-1,1-dioxide)iron has been made. Crystal data: space group P4₁2₁2; a  b  9.307(2), c  25.462(5) Å; Z  8. With 950 reflections [F_o > 3 σ(F_o)] the structure has been refined anisotropically (hydrogens isotropically) to R  0.026.In the compound 3,4-dimethylthiophene-1,1-dioxide is coordinated to iron by its diene system analogous to (butadiene)Fe(CO)₃. The sulfur atom is out-of-plane of the butadiene system (26.9°). This fact can be explained by intramolecular repulsion and by coordination effects. The three CO groups are directed towards the centres of greatest electron density in the ring. Hence one CO and the SO₂ group are in eclipsed conformation with a slight deformation due to OO repulsion of both groups. IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR data are reported.     

Antiferromagnetic complexes involving metalmetal bonds IV. Synthesis,molecular structure and magnetic properties of the heterotrinuclear cluster, (C5H5Cr)2(μ2-SCMe3)(μ3-S)2Fe(CO)3, with direct and indirect exchange between CrIII and FeI centers

The photochemical reaction between the antiferromagnetic complex (C₅H₅-CrSCMe₃)₂S (I) (containing a CrCr bond 2.689 Å long) and Fe(CO)₅ results in the elimination of two carbonyl groups and one tert-butyl radical to give (C₅H₅Cr)₂(μ²-SCMe₃)(μ³-S)₂ · Fe(CO)₃ (III). As determined by X-ray diffraction, III contains a CrCr bond of almost the same length as in I (2.707 Å), together with one thiolate and two sulphide bridges. The latter are also linked with the Fe atom of the Fe(CO)₃ moiety (average FeS bond length 2.300 Å). Fe also forms a direct bond, 2.726 Å long, with one of the Cr atoms, whereas its distance from the other Cr atom (3.110 Å) is characteristic for non-bonded interactions. Complex III is antiferromagnetic, the exchange parameter, ?2J, values for CrCr, Cr(1)Fe and Cr(2)…Fe are 380, 2600 and 170 cm^?1, respectively. The magnetic properties of III are discussed in terms of the “exchange channel model”. The contributions from indirect interactions through bridging ligands are shown to be insignificant compared with direct exchange involving metalmetal bonds. The effects of steric factors and of the nature of the M(CO)_n fragments on the chemical transformations of (C₅H₅CrSCMe₃)₂S · M(CO)_n are discussed.     

Kristall- und molekülstruktur von nonacarbonyl-bis(μ3-phenylarsiniden)trieisen(2FeFe)

Nonacarbonylbis(μ₃-phenylarsinidene)triiron(2FeFe) has been prepared by reaction of Na₂[Fe(CO)₄] with C₆H₅AsCl₂. Its X-ray structural study reveals an Fe₃As₂ cluster. Three Fe(CO)₃ groups occupy the equatorial positions of a distorted trigonal bipyramid with two μ₃-bridging AsC₆H₅ groups at the axial sites. The Fe₃ triangle contains only two FeFe bonds as reflected by different atomic distances.Crystal data: space group P2₁/c, a = 11.427(9), b = 15.43(1), c = 14.60(1) Å, β = 107.32(3)°, Z = 4. With 3786 reflections, for which F_o > 3(F_o), the structure has been refined anisotropically (hydrogen atoms isotropically) to R = 0.048.     

Synthesis and x-ray crystallographic characterization of (μ3-Bi)2Fe3(CO)9: A reformulation of Hieber's Bi2Fe5(CO)20

When [HFe(CO)₄]^? is treated first with NaBiO₃ and then dilute H₂SO₄, a complex mixture of neutral metal carbonyl clusters results, some of which can be extracted into petroleum ether. Upon prolonged standing the extract yields a precipitate which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography as Bi₂Fe₃(CO)₉.The complex Bi₂Fe₃(CO)₉ crystallizes in the centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Cmcm (D_2h¹⁷; No. 63) with a 10.616(2) Å, b 13.458(3) Å, c 11.347(3) Å, V 1621.1(7) ų and Z = 4. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (Mo-K_α, 2θ = 4.5–55.0°) were collected on a Syntex P2₁ four-circle diffractometer and the structure was refined to R_F 5.4% and R_WF 4.5% for all 1039 independent data (R_F 4.5% and R_WF 4.5% for those 851 reflections with |F₀| > 3.0σ(|F₀|)). The molecule lies on a site of crystallographic C_2v symmetry and is disordered. The individual molecules have a trigonal bipyramidal Bi₂Fe₃ core with the bismuth atoms occupying the apical sites (BiFe 2.617(2)–2.643(2) Å, FeFe 2.735(5)–2.757(5) Å). Each iron atom is linked to three terminal carbonyl ligands and the molecule has approximate C_3h symmetry. The nine peripheral oxygen atoms are ordered and define a tricapped trigonal prism. The equatorial iron atoms are disordered with the two Fe₃ triangles mutually displaced by approximately 30°; the disordered ensemble has approximate D_3h symmetry.     

Microcalorimetric studies of dodecacarbonyl(diiron)ruthenium and dodecacarbonyl(iron)diruthenium. Enthalpy contribution of heterometallic metal—metal bonds

Microcalorimetic measurements at 520–550 K of the heats of thermal decomposition of Fe₂Ru(CO)₁₂, FeRu₂(CO)₁₂ and Ru₃(CO)₁₂ lead to values of the standard enthalphy of formation (ΔH^o_f, c/kJ mol^-1) as follows: Fe₂Ru(CO)₁₂  (1820 ± 14); FeRu₂(CO)₁₂  (1891 ± 16); Ru₃(CO)₁₂  (1903 ± 18). Enthalpies of sublimation are estimated and the ironruthenium bond enthalpy contribution is derived as E(FeRu)  (95 ± 20) kJ mol^-1.     

The X-ray crystal structure of di-η5-cyclopentadienylthiophenolatoamminemolybdenum(IV) hexafluorophosphate solvate [Mo(η5-C5H5)2(NH3)(SC6H5)][PF6] · (CH32CO

Crystals of [Mo(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(NH₃)(SC₆H₅)][PF₆] · (CH₃)₂CO solvate are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a 9.777(1), b 11.6343(2), c 19.656(4) Å, β 93.60(1)°, V 2231-46 ų, Z  D_c 1.617 g cm⁻³, μ(Mo-K_α) 7.21 cm⁻¹. The structure was solved by Patterson and difference Fourier electron density synthesis and refined to R (F)  0.047 and R_w(F)  0.057 for 3293 observed reflections. The molybdenum atom has the usual distorted tetrahedral geometry comprising the two MoCp (Cp  η⁵-C₅H₅) ring normals (MoCp 1.988(13), 1.989(15) Å), one Mo-NH₃ (MoN 2.226(12) Å), and one MoSc₆H₅ (MoS 2.465(5) Å). Extended HMO and steric energy calculations were made in order to account for the geometry adopted by the thiolato ligand in this complex.     

Addition of C2(CO2Me)2 to trans-MeIr(CO)(PPh3)2. Formation and isomerization of MeIr(CO)(PPh3)2[C2(CO2Me)2], and crystal structure of the thermodynamic isomer

The reaction of C₂(CO₂Me)₂ with trans-MeIr(CO)(PPh₃)₂ leads to a kinetic isomer which has been characterized by ¹H and ³¹P NMR and infrared spectra and to a thermodynamic isomer which has been characterized by ¹H and ³¹P NMR, infrared, microanalysis and X-ray crystallography. The isomerization occurs readily in solution at room temperature; somewhat more slowly at −20°C. The thermodynamically stable isomer of MeIr(CO)(PPh₃)₂[C₂(CO₂Me)₂] crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a 14.847(2), b 16.648(2), c 15.656(3) Å, β 90.595(14)°, V 3869.7(11) ų and Z = 4. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data were collected with a Syntex P2₁ automated diffractometer (Mo-K_α radiation, 2θ 5–40°) and the structure was solved and refined to R_F 8.6% for all 3631 independent data (R_F 4.0% for those 2318 data with |F_o| > 6σ(|F_o|)). The Ir^I center has a trigonal-bipyramidal environment with the methyl ligand and one PPh₃ ligand occupying axial sites (Ir-Me 2.193(14), Ir-P(1) 2.425(4) Å). The C₂(CO₂Me)₂ ligand is π-bonded to the iridium atom and lies with its triple bond parallel to the equatorial coordination plane; the equatorial ligands are completed by the second PPh₃ ligand (Ir-P(2) 2.402(3) Å) and a CO ligand (Ir-CO 1.812(15) Å).     

Acyl-platinum(II) and -palladium(II) complexes derived from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives. X-ray structure of [Pt(OC6H4CO) (P(p-CH3C6H4)3)2]

Platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes containing chelating acyl ligands have been synthesized from salicylaldehyde, 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde. The platinum(II) complexes [Pt(acyl)L₂], acyl  OC₆H₄CO, OC₁₀H₆CO, O(m-CH₃OC₆H₃CO), L  tertiary phosphine, 1/2 diphenylphosphinoethane, can be isolated with both monodentate and chelating diphosphines, whereas for palladium only the compounds with chelating phosphines are readily obtainable. The reactions of [Pt(OC₆H₄CO)L₂] with HCl afford trans-[PtCl(OHC₆H₄CO)L₂], L  monodentate tertiary phosphine and cis-[PtCl(OHC₆H₄CO)L₂], L2  1,2-bis-diphenylphosphinoethane, in which the metal—carbon bond remains intact. The structure of [Pt(OC₆H₄CO)-(P(p-CH₃C₆H₄)₃)₂] has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods and found to have the expected square planar structure. Some relevant bond lengths and angles are: PtP; 2.271(4) and 2.348(5) Å; PtC; 1.96(2) Å and PtO; 2.07(1) Å; PPtP  101°, CPtO  82°.     

Pentacoordinate iron(III) porphyrin carboxylates: Synthesis,physicochemical characteristics and x-ray crystal structure of acetato(5, 10, 15, 20-tetraparatolylporphyrinato) iron(III)

Carboxylatoiron(III) porphyrins have been synthesised by the action of carboxylic acids on the [(por)Fe]₂O dimers. ¹H NMR and ESR data of the isolated products are in accordance with pentacoordinate high spin 5/2 ferric complexes, the iron atom being displaced out of the plane of the porphyrin ligand. IR spectra show ν(CO) and ν(CO) bands separated by 356–409 cm^?1. The magnitude of this separation suggests coordination between the metal centre and the carboxylate group via one oxygen atom. Magnetic susceptibility measurements from 5 to 120 K lead to the value of μ = 5.88 B.M.. The X-ray structure of acetato (5, 10, 15, 20-tetra p-tolyporphyrinato) iron(III) confirms the above deductions. (tp MePP) Fe(CO₂CH₃). 0.5 CH₃COOH crystallises in the I2/c space group with unit cell parameters a = 24.464(8), b = 9.332(3), c = 37.174(4) Å, β = 90.49(2)°, V = 8485 ų, D_c = 1.27 g · cm^?3 and Z = 8. The crystal structure was refined to a conventional R(F) = 0.0584 and R_w(F) = 0.0653 for 5132 unique reflections with F₀ > 3σ(F₀). The iron atom is pentacoordinated by the four nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom of the acetate group. It lies at 0.520(1) Å out of the porphinato plane and 0.485(1) Å out of the four nitrogen plane. The FeO bond length is 1.898(4) Å.     

The vibrational spectrum of (maleic anhydride)iron tetracarbonyl

On the basis of solid-phase IR and Raman spectra, with some solution data for the IR, a reasonably complete vibrational assignment has been made for the modes of maleic anhydride in (maleic anhydride)iron tetracarbonyl. Shifts in v(C=C) and δ(CH) are consistent with a strong interaction with the metal, but relatively little coupling between the modes. More restricted assignments were made for modes associated with the (maleic anhydride)iron and Fe(CO)₄ fragments.     

Reaction of alkenes with trans-MeOIr(CO)(PPh3)2. Crystal and molecular structure of the pentacoordinate alkoxy-alkene iridium(I) complex,MeOIr(CO)(PPh3)2(TCNE)

The reaction of trans-MeOIr(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with TCNE (tetracyanoethylene) gives rise to the stable adduct MeOIr(CO)(PPh₃)₂(TCNE), the structure of which has been determined via a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. This complex crystallizes in the centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Pbca (D¹⁵_2h; No. 61) with a 17.806(4), b 20.769(4), c 20.589(6) Å, V 7614(3) ų and Z = 8. Diffraction data (Mo-K_α, 2θ = 5–45°) were collected on a Syntex P2₁ automated four-circle diffractometer and the structure was solved and refined to R_F 6.2% for 3502 data with |F₀| > 3σ(|F₀|) (R_F 4.3% for those 2775 data with |F₀| > 6 σ(|F₀|)). The central iridium atom has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry in which the methoxy group (Ir-OMe 2.057(8) Å) and carbonyl ligand (Ir-CO 1.897(14) Å) occupy axial sites with ∠MeOIrCO 174.7(4)°. The two triphenylphosphine ligands occupy equatorial sites (IrP(1) 2.399(3), IrP(2) 2.390(3) Å, ∠P(1)IrP(2) 110.32(11)° and the TCNE ligand is linked in an η² “face-on” fashion with the olefinic bond parallel to the equatorial coordination plane (IrC(4) 2.176(10), IrC(7) 2.160(12) Å) and lengthened substantially from its value in the free olefin (C(4)C(7) 1.539(17) Å).     

Fulvene—platinum complexes: x-ray crystal structure of [Pt(η2-C5H4CPh2)(PPh3)2]

Bis(cycloocta-1,5-diene)platinum reacts with 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylfulvene to afford the complex [Pt(η²-CH₂C₅Ph₄)(cod)] (cod  C₈H₁₂) in which the metal atom is coordinated to the exo-cyclic double bond of the fulvene. Related compounds [Pt(η²-CH₂C₅Ph₄L₂] (L  PPh₃, PMePh₂, PMe₂Ph, AsPh₃ or CNBu^t have also been prepared and characterised. Reaction of the complexes [Pt(C₂H₄)₂(L)] (L  P(cyclo-C₆H₁₁)₃, PPh₃ or AsPh₃) with 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylfulvene yields the compounds [Pt(C₂H₄)(η²-CH₂C₅PH₄)(L)]. NMR data for the new species are reported and discussed. 6,6-Diphenylfulvene reacts with [Pt(cod)₂] and PPh₃ ($\text{1}\text{2}$ mol ratio) to give the complex [Pt(η²-C₅H₄CPh₂)-(PPh₃)₂] in which the metal atom is bonded to carbon atoms C(2) and C(3) of the fulvene ring. This was established by an X-ray diffraction study. Crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, with Z  4 in a unit cell of dimensions a  13.761(4), b  21.653(13), c  17.395(6) Å, β,  104.46(2)°. The structure has been solved and refined to R  0.064 (R′  0.064) for 3139 independent diffracted intensifies measured at room temperature. The platinum atom is in a trigonal environment formed by the two ligated phosphorus atoms and the CC bond of the fulvene which is elongated to 1.52(3) Å. The c₅ fulvene ring is planar, and makes an angle of 108° with the coordination plane around the platinum. In this plane the metal atom is slightly asymmetrically bonded with PtC 2.15(2) and 2.24(2) Å, and PtP 2.280(6) and 2.301(6) Å.     

Kristall- und molekülstruktur von hexaphenyldistannylselenid (C6H5)3SnSeSn(C6H5)3

The crystal and molecular structure of hexaphenylditin selenide (C₆H₅)₃SnSeSn(G₆H₅)₃ was determined by X-ray diffraction data and was refined to R  0.055. The compound is monoclinic, space group P2₁, with a  9.950(4), b  18.650(7), c  18.066(6) Å, β  106.81(4)°, Z  4. The two molecules in the asymmetric unit differ slightly in their conformations, both having approximate C₂ symmetry. Bond lengths and angles are: SnSe 2.526 (2.521(3) ? 2.538(3)) Å; SnC 2.138 (2.107(16)?2.168(19)) Å; SnSeSn 103.4(1)°, 105.2(1)°. There are only slight angular distortions at the SnSeC₃ tetrahedra (SeSnC angles: 104.3(5)?114.8(4)°). The bond data indicate essentially single bonds around the Sn atoms.     

Reactions of tetracyanoethylene with transition-metal acetylides: synthesis and structure of Rh(CCPh) [η2-C2(CN)4] (NCMe)(PPh3)2

The title complex was obtained from the adduct of C₂(CN)₄ and Rh(CCPh)-(CO)(PPh₃)₂ by simple substitution of CO in refluxing acetonitrile. Crystals of the complex are orthorhombic, with a 10.058(2), b 20.008(4), c 21.594(5) Å, space group P2₁2₁2₁, Z  4. The rhodium has approximate trigonal bipyramidal coordination, with apical NCMe and C₂Ph ligands: RhC₂Ph, 1.939(18); RhC(olefinic), 2.151, 2.157(19); RhN, 2.051(16); RhP, 2.377, 2.397(6) Å.     

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.     

Addition of borohydride ion to coordinated isocyanides: the structure of π-C5H5Fe(CO)[(CHNCH3)2BH2]

The structure of π-C₅H₅Fe(CO)[(CHNCH₃)₂BH₂] has been determined from three dimensional X-ray diffractometer data collected by counter methods. The compound crystallizes in the space group P2₁/a with four molecules in a cell of dimensions a = 12.33(3), b = 6.14(2) and c = 16.21(7)Å with β = 105.0(2)°. The observed and calculated densities are 1.37(2) and 1.379(6) g/cm³ respectively. Full-matrix least-squares refinement has resulted in R = 0.113 for the 1238 data with F²_o ? σ (F²_o). The structure results from a BH^?₄ anion adding across two coordinated isocyanide ligands to form a six-membered heterocyclic ring containing BN bonds.     

Studies on organometallic compounds with hetero multiple bridges : V. Crystal and molecular structure of the parent rhenium complex Re2Br2(CO)6(THF)2 and substituted products of tricarbonylrhenium(I) derived from it

Reactions of the tetrahydrofuran adduct Re₂Br₂(CO)₆(THF)₂ with some phosphorous- and nitrogen-containing donors under mild conditions are reported, which led to the formation of substituted products of tricarbonylrhenium(I). Bromide abstraction from the THF adduct by secondary amines and CS₂ produced the dithiocarbamato derivatives Re(S₂CNR₂)(CO)₃(HNR₂) whose behaviour in solution with CO was also investigated. Mass spectral data for some of the substituted products have been measured. The title compound crystallizes in the space group P2₁/n with cell constants a = 8.661(2), b = 11.251(3), c = 11.424(3) Å and β = 110.36(2)°, U = 1043.67 ų and D_calc = 2.686 g cm^?3, Z = 2. The molecule consists of a planar Re₂Br₂ moiety, as demanded by symmetry. The two THF groups are on opposite sides of this plane and the three CO groups around each rhenium atom are arranged in a fac arrangement. The unique ReBr distances are 2.642(5) and 2.644(4)Å, while the ReO distance is 2.129(31) Å. The ReBrRe and BrReBr angles are 97.3(2) and 82.7(1)°, respectively. The Re?Re nonbonding distance is 3.967(3) Å. The THF ligands consist of a nearly planar C₄ fragment (maximum deviation from planarity 0.06 Å), while the oxygen is 0.348 Å out of that plane, the angle defined by the C₄ plane and the COC fragment of the THF ligand being 24.99°. Final values of the discrepancy indices are R(F) = 0.074 and R_w(F) = 0.095.     

[Rh12Sb(CO)27]3-. an example of encapsulation of antimony by a transition metal carbonyl cluster

The reaction of Rh(CO)₂acac with triphenylantimony in the presence of cesium benzoate in tetraethylene glycol/dimethyl ether solution resulted in the selective formation of [Rh₁₂Sb(CO)₂₇]^3- (66% yield) after 3 h of contact time under ≈400 atm of carbon monixide and hydrogen (CO/H₂  1) at 140–160°C. The cluster has been isolated as the [Cs(18-Crown-6)₂]⁺, [(CH₃)₄]⁺, [(C₂H₅)₄N]⁺, (Ph₃P)₂N]⁺ and [PhCH₂N(C₂H₅)₃]⁺ salts. The [(C₂H₅)₄N]₃ [Rh₁₂Sb(CO)₂₇] complex has been characterized via a complete three-dimensional X-ray diffraction study. The complex crystallizes in the space group R$\text{3}$c with a  23.258(13) Å, c  22.811(4) Å, V  10 686 ų and p(calcd.)  2.334 g cm^-3 for mol.wt. 2503.66 and Z  6. Diffraction data were collected with an Enraf-Nonius CAD 4 automated diffractometer using graphite-monochromatized Mo-Kα radiation. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by difference-Fourier and least-squares techniques. All non-hydrogen atoms have been located and refined: final discrepancy indices are R_f  3.5% and R_wf  4.6% for 3011 reflections. The anion's structure consists of twelve rhodium atoms situated at the corners of a distorted icosahedron with contacts of 2.807(1), 2.861(1), 2.874(1), 2.999(1), 3.017(1) and 3.334(1) Å and rhodium—antimony contacts of 2.712(0) Å. Rhodium—rhodium bond distances of 2.807 and 3.017 Å are in the range usually found for these complexes although a distance of 3.334 Å may be longer than expected from bonding interactions. The sum of the covalent radii of antimony and rhodium, 2.80 Å, is intermediate between the two observed RhSb contacts. The anion cluster structure is that of distorted icosahedron. This polyhedron has previously been found in [B₁₂H₁₂]^2- but not with transition metal clusters. A comparison between the structures of rhodium carbonyl clusters and boranes shows the occurrence of similar structural features. Applications of bonding theories based on the boranes, such as Wade's rules, to rhodium carbonyl clusters shows the extent in which these rules are obeyed.