Rhodium(III) Complexes Featuring Coordinated CF 3 Appendages

Abstract

The synthesis and characterisation of a homologous series of rhodium 2,2′-biphenyl complexes featuring intramolecular dative bonding of the nominally inert and weakly coordinating trifluoromethyl group are described. Presence of these interactions is evidenced in the solid state using X-ray diffraction, with Rh−F contacts of 2.36–2.45 Å, and in solution using NMR spectroscopy, through hindered C−CF 3 bond rotation and the presence of time-averaged 1 J RhF and 2 J PF coupling.