Syntheses and molecular structures of group 8 benzonitrile complexes

The molecular structures of eight nitrile complexes of general form [M(NCC6H4R-4)(L2)Cp′]PF6 [M = Fe, Ru; L2 = dppe, (PPh3)2; Cp′ = Cp, Cp*] are reported and discussed in terms of the nature of the M–N interaction. Data are consistent with a predominantly σ-interaction, similar to that found in related acetylide complexes, with little evidence for metal to nitrile π-back bonding interactions.

Graphical abstractThe molecular structures of eight nitrile complexes of general form [M(NCC6H4R-4)(L2)Cp′]PF6 [M = Fe, Ru; L2 = dppe, (PPh3)2; Cp′ = Cp, Cp*] are reported and discussed in terms of the nature of the M–N interaction. Data are consistent with a predominantly σ-interaction, similar to that found in related acetylide complexes, with little evidence for metal to nitrile π-back bonding interactions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide