Arene complexes [(η-C5H5)M(η-C6R6)]2+ (M = Rh, IR)

The dicationic arene complexes [CpM(arene)](BF4)(2) (arene = C6H6, 1,3,5-C6H3Me3, or C6Me6) were synthesized by the reactions of the solvated complexes [CpM(MeNO2)(3)](BF4)(2) (M = Rh, Ir) with benzene and its derivatives. The solvated complexes were generated in situ by abstraction of I- from [CPMI2](2) with AgBF4. A procedure was developed for the synthesis of the iodide [CpRhI2](2) based on the reaction of the cyclooctadiene derivative CpRh(1,5-C8H12) with I-2. The structure of the [CpRh(C6Me6)](BF4)(2) complex was established by X-ray diffraction analysis.