Reactions of rhodium and iridium salts with multidentate N-heterocycles

Abstract

Complexes of rhodium and iridium of the types MX 3L, MX(CO) 2L and MX 3(CO)L (X = halide) containing multidentate N-heterocycles (L),2,6-bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine(bBzlH 2py) and 2,6-bis( N-methyl-benzimidazolyl)pyridine (bBzlMe 2py) have been prepared and characterized by IR, electronic and 1H and 13C NMR spectral data. RhX(CO) 2L, on treatment with alcoholic solvents or DMF undergoes reversible decarbonylation to produce RhXL·2H 2O. Passage of NO or O 2 through the carbonyl suspended in hot 2-methoxyethanol releases CO 2.