Transition-Metal Complexes with Bidentate Ligands Spanning trans-Positions. III. Preparation and solution studies of complexes [MX(1)] (M = Cu,Ag and Au; X = anionic ligand; 1 = 2, 11-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzo[c]phenanthrene)

The preparation of monomeric complexes MX( 1 )] is reported where M = Cu, Ag, Au; X = I, Cl, NO₃, BF₄ and 1 = 2,11-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzoc]phenanthrene. The solution structure of the complexes is discussed on the basis of molecular weight, conductivity and NMR. measurements. In acetonitrile and nitromethane, the nitrate and fluoroborate complexes exist as ionic species M( 1 )]⁺X^? whereas the halo-complexes are present as equilibrium mixtures of ‘covalent’ and ‘ionic’ forms. All the complexes are associated in CH₂Cl₂-solutions. The values of ¹J show that this association in Ag(NO₃) ( 1 )] and Ag(BF₄) ( 1 )] is best described in terms of ion-pairing while that for species AgX( 1 )] (X = Cl, Br and I) is mainly ‘covalent’ in nature. Evidence is presented for the formation of the complex ion Ag(CH₃CN)_n( 1 )]⁺ in acetonitrile solution.