Fluxionality of [(Ph3P)3Rh(X)]: The extreme case of X = CF3

Jenni Goodman, Vladimir V. Grushin, Roman B. Larichev, Stuart A. Macgregor, William J. Marshall, D. Christopher Roe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

[(Ph3P)3Rh(F)] reacts with CF3SiMe 3 to produce trans-[(Ph3P)2Rh(CF 2)(F)] (1; X-ray), which is equilibrated with a number of species in solution. Addition of excess Ph3P shifts all of the equilibria to [(Ph3P)3Rh(CF3)] (2; X-ray) as the only NMR-observable and isolable (84%) species. Complex 2 is uniquely highly fluxional in solution, maintaining ligand exchange even at -100°C (12.1 s-1). Activation parameters have been determined (variable- temperature 31P NMR) for the similar but slower exchange in the Me analogue of 2, [(Ph3P)3Rh(CH3)]: Ea = 16.5 ± 0.6 kcal mol-1, ?G = 12.9 kcal mol-1 (calculated at -30°C), ?H = 16.0 ± 0.6 kcal mol-1, and ?S = 12.8 ± 2.3 e.u. Intramolecular exchange in [(R3P)3Rh(X)] occurs (DFT, MP2//BP86) via a distorted trigonal transition state (TS) with X in an axial position trans to a vacant site. The rearrangement is governed by a combination of steric and electronic factors and is facilitated by bulkier ligands on Rh as well as by strongly donating X that stabilize the TS. The Rh atom in [(H3P)3Rh(X)] has been shown to be more negatively charged (NPA) for X = CF3 than for X = CH3, despite the strongly oppositely charged carbon atoms of the CF3 (+0.79e) and CH3 (-0.96e) ligands. Clarification of stereochemical rigidity (X = halide, CN, OR, NR2) versus fluxionality (X = H, Alk, Ar, CF 3) is provided, along with a resolution of the long-standing contradiction between the electronwithdrawing effect of CF3 in organic compounds and its strong trans influence (electron donation) in metal complexes. © 2009 American Chemical Society.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4236-4238
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume131
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2009

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