The preparation and structure of μ-iodobis(h5-cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron) fluoroborate

The identity and structure of a compound which arises frequently in the generation of (h⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂⁺ ion from (h⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂I and AgBF₄ have been determined. The substance was shown to be {h⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂]₂I}BF_4s a compound already known from the work of Fischer and Moser. It consists of a BF₄^? anion and a cation formed by two (h⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, groups having the expected shape and dimensions, united by a bridging iodine atom. The FeI bonds have an average lenght of 2.588 » and the FeIFe angle is 110.8(1)°. The FeFe distance of 4.26 » is consistent with the expectation that there should be no metalmetal bond. Presumably the large FeIFe angle results from a compromise between the tendency of I to maximize p character in its bonding orbitals and the necessity of niminizing non-bonded contact between the (h⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂ groups. Crystallographic data are: space group, P2/a; unit cell dimensions, a=15.605(2)», b=9.607(2)», c=12.373(2)», β=104.86(1)°, V=1792.9(6)»³; d_ealc=2.10 g/cm³ for Z=4; d_obs=2.08±0.02 g/cm³. Refinement using 1595 independent reflections with F_o²>3σ(F_o² was terminated at residuals of R₁=0.076 and R₂=0.114.