Bond cleavage reactions in substituted thiophenes by a rhodium complex

The reactions of (C5Me5)Rh(PMe3)(Ph)H with 2-methoxythiophene, 3-methoxythiophene, 2-cyanothiophene, 3-cyanothiophene, 2-trimethylsilylthiophene, ethylenesulfide, trimethylenesulfide, and several polymethylthiophenes have been investigated. These thiophene derivatives give C–S and in one case C–H insertion products. Ethylene sulfide and trimethylene sulfide undergo ring opening or desulfurization.

The reactions of the reactive species [(C5Me5)Rh(PMe3)] with 2- and 3-substituted thiophenes (R = OMe, CN, SiMe3) have been investigated. Insertion reactions of ethylenesulfide, trimethylenesulfide, and several polymethylthiophenes have also been examined.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide