η5-cyclopentadienyl-η5-syn-1-methylpentadienylrhodium and iridium cations - preparation and reactions with nucleophiles

η⁵-cyclopentadienyl-η⁵-syn-1-methylpentadienyliridium(I) hexafluorophosphate, a novel complex containing an open chain pentadienyl ligand, has been prepared $\text{via}$ protonation of η⁵-cyclopentadienyl-η⁴-hexa-2,4-dien-1-ol iridium. It and the corresponding rhodium salt are attacked by methoxide ion at the central 3-position of the dienyl group to give 1,4-diene complexes. This contrasts with nucleophilic attack on pentadienyltricarbonyliron cations which occurs at the terminal positions of the dienyl group.