Arene non-innocence in dinuclear complexes of Fe, Co, and Ni supported by a para-terphenyl diphosphine

Abstract

Cofacial Fe₂, Co₂, and Ni₂ complexes supported by a para-terphenyl diphosphine ligand were prepared. Central arene deplanarization and a μ₂:(η³,η³) coordination mode suggest partial bisallyl character in the Fe₂ and Co₂ complexes. An oxidation induced shift in Fe₂–arene binding highlights the non-innocent nature of the arene ligand.