Azulene as a ligand in cationic rhodium and iridium complexes. Crystal structure of [Rh(TFB)(az)]PF6

Rhodium or iridium complexes of formula [M(diolefin)(az)]⁺ have been prepared by treating [MCl(diolefin)]₂ complexes with silver salts and azulene, and also by treating [Rh(diolefin)₂]⁺ with azulene. The reactions of some representative complexes have been studied. Reaction of [M(C₅Me₅)(Me₂CO)₃]²⁺ with azulene appears to give dinuclear diazulene cationic complexes. The crystal structure of compound [Rh(TFB)(az)]PF₆ has been solved by X-ray methods. It crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c with cell constants 8.4241(4), 16.6911(8), 15.0026(7) Å, 95.897(6)°. Refinement gave R = 0.027 and R_w = 0.032 for 2991 observed reflexions. The Rh atom is coordinated to the five-membered ring, with RhC distances shortest for the atoms which are trans to the diolefinic double bonds. The bonding scheme within the azulene ligand differs from that in the parent hydrocarbon.