Dirhodium(II,II) Paddlewheel Complexes

This minireview summarizes synthetic approaches towards homoleptic dirhodium(II,II) paddlewheel complexes with the general formula Rh(2)A(4). These complexes have found numerous applications in a wide range of chemical research and industry as catalysts, detectors, enzymatic inhibitors or building blocks for molecular scaffolds. In organic synthesis they are commonly used to transfer electron-deficient species, they act as Lewis acids to activate unsaturated bonds, serve as hydrogenation catalysts and participate in oxidation/reduction processes. Dirhodium paddlewheel complexes are composed of the Rh-Rh backbone and four bridging anions, which surround the core. According to the application, the electrochemical potential of the Rh atom can be modulated, as can the geometry and physical and chemical properties of the metal complex. Dirhodium complexes can be prepared in one step from basic inorganic precursors or by post-functionalization of the paddlewheel structures.

Automated summary

Homoleptic dirhodium(II,II) paddlewheel complexes with the general formula Rh(2)A(4) have diverse applications in chemical research and industry, serving as catalysts, detectors, enzymatic inhibitors, or building blocks for molecular scaffolds. They are commonly used in organic synthesis to transfer electron-deficient species, activate unsaturated bonds, catalyze hydrogenation, and participate in oxidation/reduction processes. The complexes can be prepared from basic inorganic precursors or post-functionalization of paddlewheel structures, allowing modulation of electrochemical potential, geometry, and physical/chemical properties of the metal complex.