Neutron diffraction study of the highly distorted octahedral complex FeH2(CO)2[P(OPh)3]2

A neutron diffraction analysis was carried out at 20 K on a single crystal of FeH2(CO)2[P(OPh)3]2 in order to accurately locate the hydride ligands. The two hydrides are bonded terminally to the Fe atom, and their small size causes the title complex to assume a highly distorted octahedral geometry. Distances and angles involving the hydride ligands are as follows: FeH(1)=1.521(2) Å, FeH(2)=1.529(2) Å, H(1)⋯H(2)=2.011(3) Å, and H(1)FeH(2)=82.49(13)°. Final agreement factors: R(F)=2.8% and R(wF2)=5.4%.