Reversible Formation of Polymeric Chains by Coordination of Pentaphosphaferrocene with Silver(I) Cations

Abstract

A fragile coordination polymer: The pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η5-P5)] reacts with the AgI salt of the weakly coordinating anion [Al{OC(CF3)3}4]− to yield a polymer comprising cyclo-P5 moieties in an unprecedented 1,2,3-coordination mode (see figure). Analytical data and DFT calculations support the existence of a monomer/dimer/oligomer equilibrium in solution, which is entirely in favor of the monomer at room temperature and shifts to the dimer/oligomer at reduced temperatures.