Structure and reactions of bis[tricarbonyl(π-cyclopentadienyl)chromium]

Abstract

[(π-C₅H₅)Cr(CO)₃]₂ is extremely reactive. It readily undergoes reactions which involve homolytic or heterolytic scission of the Cr–Cr bond, or the insertion of another atom into it. These observations are rationalized in terms of the structure of the dimer, and this is discussed in detail. Some facile CO substitution reactions, of [(π-C₅H₅Cr(CO)₃]₂ and (π-C₅H₅)Cr(CO)₃I with phosphorus(III) ligands are described.