The synthesis of [(η6-Flu∗H)Mn(CO)3]PF6, and its deprotonation to yield a novel coordination mode of fluorene

The synthesis of [(η6-Flu∗H)Mn(CO)3]PF6 is reported. The complex may be deprotonated to give a neutral zwitterionic complex. Instead of deprotonation at the 9-position, as seen in the non-methylated complex, deprotonation of a ring methyl is observed. This yields a previously unknown coordination mode of fluorene, and may be explained on both electronic and steric grounds.