Rhodium(I) diolefin complexes with polycyclic π-arene ligands. Synthesis of bimetallic complexes with diphenylmethane as bridging ligand

Summary The preparation and properties of cationic arenerhodium(I) complexes of general formula [Rh(diolefin)(⁶arene)]ClO₄ (diolefin=1,5-cyclooctadiene, tetrafluorobenzobarrelene or trimethyltetrafluorobenzobarrelene; arene = biphenyl or diphenylmethane) are described. These complexes react with the solvated intermediate complex [Rh(diolefin)(Me₂CO)_x]ClO₄ to give homobimetallic [(diolefin)Rh(Ph₂CH₂)Rh(diolefin)](ClO₄)₂ derivatives. New heterobimetallic complexes of the type [(diolefin)Rh(Ph₂CH₂)Cr(CO)₃]ClO₄ have been synthesized by reaction of Cr(CO)₃(⁶-Ph₂CH₂) with the solvated complex [Rh(diolefin)(Me₂CO)_x]ClO₄ or, alternatively by treatment of [Rh(diolefin)(⁶-arene)]ClO₄ with the complex Cr(CO)₃(⁶Me₃B₃N₃Me₃) in chloroform solution.