Synthesis and crystal structure of [CrCl3(dmpe)]2(μ-dmpe)·2(CH2Cl2): A diphosphine ligand bridging two isolated Cr(III) centers

Reaction of dmpe (bis(1,2-dimethylphosphino)ethane) with CrCl₃(THF)₃ gives deep red crystalline Cr₂(dmpe)₃(Cl)₆·2CH₂Cl₂ in 85% yield. The X-ray crystal structure of the title compound shows a bridgingtrans dmpe ligand between two isolated Cr(III) centers. Each Cr(III) atom bears a chelating dmpe group and three Cl atoms in a roughly octahedral geometry. Crystal data: C₂₀H₄₈Cl₁₀Cr₂P₆,M=933.0, monoclinic,P2₁/n,a=9.221(3),b=10.587(2),c=21.868(2) Å,=98.962(3)°,D _calc=1.47 g cm^–3,Z=2. FinalR=0.054,R _w =0.063 from 1964 observed reflections (I>3(I)), 3489 measured.