An “Off-axis” Mn–Mn bond in Mn2(CO)10 at high pressure

Abstract

At variance with what was previously reported, Mn₂(CO)₁₀ does not transform its conformation from staggered to eclipsed in the high pressure crystal form. X-ray powder diffraction, DFT calculations and Raman spectroscopy show that the staggered conformation is retained. Instead, a rotation and a translation of the Mn(CO)₅ pyramidal units produce an “off-axis” and rather shorter Mn–Mn bond.