Preparation and properties of the geometric isomers of the dichloro(3,6-diazaoctane-1,8-diamine)rhodium(III) cation, [Rh(trien)Cl2]+

Abstract

The cis-α, cis-β and trans-isomers of [Rh(trien)Cl₂]⁺ have been isolated and characterised. The physical properties of the [Rh(trien)Cl₂]⁺ isomers are compared with those of the corresponding [Co(trien)Cl₂]⁺ and [Rh(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ isomers. Optically active samples of each of the cis-isomers were obtained. The differing reactivities of the cis-isomers toward photo-induced hydrolysis, and a kinetic study of nucleophilic substitution of cis-α-[Rh(trien)Cl₂]⁺ are reported.