X-ray crystal structure of the trifluoroacetylcobalt complex CF3COCo(CO)3(PPh3) - Implications for the relationship between structure and reactivity toward migratory insertion of carbon monoxide in cobalt alkyl complexes

The X-ray crystal structure of CF3COCo(CO)3(PPh3) has been determined. Comparison of this structure with that previously reported for CF3Co(CO)3(PPh3) and several hydrocarbon acyl/alkyl pairs highlights the cobalt-carbon bond contraction in the CF3 complex and provides an explanation for the general inertness of transition metal perfluoroalkyl complexes toward migratory insertion of CO.