Structural conclusions concerning compounds with rhenium–rhenium multiple bonds

Abstract

The preparation of complexes of the form (Re₂Cl_xBr_8–x)^2– are reported (where x= 2,3, and 6). The structures of these complexes have been investigated by infrared spectroscopy and it is suggested that, in appropriate cases, the absorptions arising from ν(Re[graphic omitted]Re) may be detected. This use is then confirmed by a study of Re₂Cl₅(dth)₂(where dth = 2,5-dithiahexane). The paper then goes on to make use of these observations to assign structures to [ReX₃(dth)]₂(where X = Cl and Br) and [ReBr₂(dth)]₂ which are then compared with the known structure of (ReX₃Ph₃P)₂.