Isolation and crystal structure of [Rh(PPh3)3(MeCN)][BF4], acetonitriletris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) tetrafluoroborate
Abstract
The salt [Rh(PPh3)3(MeCN)][BF4] has been isolated as one product of the reaction between [Rh2(O2CMe)2(MeCN)6][BF4]2 and PPh3(1 : 4), and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The cation possesses an essentially square-planar co-ordination geometry, with the length of the Rh–P bond trans to the acetonitrile ligand [2.261(3)Å] significantly shorter than those of the mutually trans PPh3 groups [2.311(3) and 2.367(3)Å]. Proton, 13C, 19F, and 31P n.m.r. spectra have been recorded for this compound and, with reference to these properties and the crystallographic data, the relationship of [Rh(PPh3)3(MeCN)][BF4] to the hydrogenation catalyst precursor [Rh(PPh3)3Cl] and to a material previously reported as Rh(PPh3)3BF4 is discussed.