Symmetric and asymmetric 13-vertex bimetallacarboranes by polyhedral expansion

Abstract

Symmetric 4,5,2,3-M₂C₂B₉ 13-vertex bimetallacarboranes of cobalt and ruthenium with 14 skeletal electron pairs are afforded by reduction and metallation of 3,1,2-MC₂B₉ icosahedra; the symmetric species can be converted to their asymmetric 4,5,1,6-M₂C₂B₉ isomers by heat, but an easier route is by thermolysis of the reduced species before metallation.