Synthesis, properties and reactivity of mononuclear Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes of s- and as-hydroindacenide ligands

The monometallic complexes with Rh(COD) and Ir(COD) of 1,5- and 1,7-dihydro-s-indacene, 2,6-dimethyl-1,5-dihydro-s-indacene and 2,7-dimethyl-1,6-dihydro-as-indacene have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and structurally. Deprotonation and further complexation of these compounds afforded mixtures of syn and anti homobimetallic isomers. The syn/anti ratio depends on the structure of the ion pairs of the salt and on the s or as geometry of the bridging ligand.