Dynamic Jahn–Teller effect and average structure of dicyclopentadienylcobalt, (C5H5)2Co,studied by gas phase electron diffraction

The molecular structure of (C₅H₅)₂Co has been determined by gas phase electron diffraction. The best agreement between calculated and experimental intensity curves is obtained with a model with eclipsed C₅H₅ rings (symmetry D_5h), but a model with staggered rings (symmetry D_5d) cannot be ruled out. The mean CoC and CC bond distances are 2.119(3) Å and 1.429(2) Å respectively. The average angle between the CH bonds and the C₅ ring is 2.1(0.8)°. The value obtained for the CC vibrational amplitude, l(CC) = 0.055(1) Å, is significantly larger than the amplitude calculated from a molecular force field and the corresponding amplitudes in (C₅H₅)₂Fe and (C₅H₅)₂Ni determined by electron diffraction, and confirms the presence of a dynamic Jahn—Teller effect of the magnitude calculated from ESR data. The average structure is compared with those of the metallocenes of the other first row transition elements.