Gyroscope-like molecules consisting of three-spoke stators that enclose “switchable” neutral dipolar rhodium rotators; reversible cycling between faster and slower rotating Rh(CO)I and Rh(CO)2I species†
Abstract
trans-Rh(CO)(Cl)(P((CH2)14)3P) is prepared from trans-Rh(CO)(Cl)(P((CH2)6CHCH2)3)2 by a metathesis/hydrogenation sequence, and converted by substitution or addition reactions to Rh(CO)(I), Rh(CO)2(I), Rh(CO)(NCS), and Rh(CO)(Cl)(Br)(CCl3) species; the Rh(CO)(Cl) and Rh(CO)(I) moieties rapidly rotate within the cage-like diphosphine, but the other rhodium moieties do not.