Oligomerization and two-center oxidative addition reactions of a dimeric rhodium(I) complex

Abstract

We have shown previously that cationic arylisocyanide complexes of rhodium(I) aggregate in solution through formation of metal-metal bonds. The chemical behavior of these oligomeric species should be quite interesting, as the opportunity for two-center oxidative addition exists. In order to explore this possibility in a simple case, we have synthesized and characterized a dimeric Rh(I) complex containing four 1,3-diisocyanopropane (bridge) ligands. We have found that this dimer aggregates still further in solution to form higher oligomers, and that it undergoes two-center oxidative addition reactions with several substrates.

Additional details