Unusual reactivity and isomerisation in dicobalt s-indacene complexes

Abstract

Di-{Co(Cp)} derivatives of Bu^t₄-s-indacene (Ic′) have been prepared, they exist as both cis and trans isomers which can interconvert in solution; the solution electrochemistry of these complexes show that these bimetallic complexes can exhibit up to four redox events; unusually, attempted oxidation by a protic oxidising agent of (CoCp)₂Ic results in attack at the central carbons of the indacene rings.