Synthetic and structural studies on Group 13 complexes containing the M(CO)3(η-C5H5) fragment (M = Cr or Mo). Part 1. Complexes [E{M(CO)3(η-C5H5)}3](E = In or TI)

Abstract

The complexes [E{M(CO)₃(η-C₅H₅)}₃](E = In, M = Mo, 1; E = In, M = Cr, 8; E = TI, M = Cr, 5; E = TI, M = Mo, 6) have been prepared and their structures determined by X-ray crystallography. All contain a trigonal-planar indium or thallium centre bonded to three M(CO)₃(η-C₅H₅) fragments (M = Cr or Mo) by unsupported element–element bonds. Synthetic and structural comparisons are made with related complexes and the solution-state properties of all complexes in a variety of solvents are described and discussed. These studies indicate a high degree of ionic character in solution. Extended-Hückel molecular orbital calculations have also been carried out on 1 which confirm the presence of polar In–Mo bonds and also reveal that In–Mo π bonding is quite weak.