The synthesis, structural and spectroscopic studies of [Ru2Rh2H2(CO)12]

Abstract

The synthesis of [Ru₂Rh₂H₂(CO)₁₂] is reported, together with X-ray structural and multinuclear, variable-temperature n.m.r. studies. The structure, both in the solid state and at low temperature in solution, is related to that of [Rh₄(CO)₁₂] with one basal rhodium and the apical rhodium atoms being replaced by ruthenium atoms; the hydrogen atoms are both bonded to the apical ruthenium and bridge Ru–Ru and Ru–Rh edges of the Ru₂Rh₂ tetrahedron. At higher temperatures, both hydrogen and carbonyl fluxionality is observed.