Geometrical and orientational isomers of [Fe3(CO)12–nLn](n= 1–3)

Abstract

A detailed analysis of the structures of the potential isomeric forms of [Fe₃(CO)_12–nL_n](n= 1–3) has been performed. According to the ligand polyhedral model these structures are best visualised on the basis of mono-, bis- and tris-substituted icosahedral ligand shells. Both the bis- and the tris-substituted icosahedra exist in several forms. For bis substitution there are three forms, viz. the 1,2, the 1,7 and the 1,12 and for tris substitution there are the forms 1,2,3, 1,2,4, 1,x,12, 1,7,8 and 1,7,9 (x= 2–11). The mechanisms by which both fluxionality and isomerisation may occur in these systems is described.