Six‐Coordinate Hydrogen: Structure of [(Ph₃P)₂N]⁺[HCo₆(CO)₁₅]⁻ by Single‐Crystal Neutron Diffraction Analysis

Abstract

A hydrogen atom at the center of an octahedral cage of cobalt atoms—that is a striking structural feature of the title compound which is the first of its kind to be accurately characterized by neutron diffraction in a single crystal. Only few examples of such “interstitial” hydride ligands are known for covalent complexes. The apparent radius of the H atom is 0.53Å; it can readily enter and leave its “metal cage”.