Arene cluster compounds

Abstract

The synthesis, isolation and characterisation of a wide and diverse range of arene clusters based on nuclearities of three to eight metal atoms are described. Their use as models for the chemisorption of benzene on the macromolecular surface are considered and matters relevant to the chemistry on the surface such as bonding type, mobility and reactivity discussed. Certain of these compounds readily undergo photoisomerisation to produce benzyne derivatives by cleavage of two C–H arene bonds. This process may be tuned by varying the nature of the other ligands present. In the solid many of the arene clusters exhibit strong arene–arene interactions which are ‘graphitic-like’ leading to the formation of chains, ribbons and snakes. Use of bridging bifunctional arenes such as [2.2]paracyclophane and PhCHCHCHCHCHCHPh leads to useful monomeric precursors to arene cluster polymers.