Mechanism of the low-energy fluxional process in [Fe3(CO)12 - nL n] [n = 0–2(3)]: a rebuttal

Abstract

We respond to Mann’s criticisms of the Ligand Polyhedral Model and its application to the fluxional behaviour of the compounds [Fe ₃ (CO) _12-n L _n ]. We reject his proposal that an analysis of a range of compounds by the Dunitz–Bürgi method rules out the possibility of fluxionality by the libration of the Fe ₃ triangle within the ligand icosahedron, and remind him that the librational mode corresponds to the first concerted bridge-opening bridge-closing mechanism.