C–C σ complexes of rhodium

Abstract

In this article, the complexes [Rh(Binor-S')(PR3)][BAr(4)(F)] (R = (i)Pr, Cy, C(5)H(9)) are described. A combination of x-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, density functional theory, and "atoms in molecules" calculations unequivocally demonstrates that the complexes contain rare examples of metal...C-C agostic interactions. Moreover, they are fluxional on the NMR time scale, undergoing rapid and reversible C-C activation. Kinetic data and calculations point to a bismetallacyclobutane, Rh(V), intermediate.