The reaction of [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with hexafluorobut-2-yne

Abstract

The reaction of [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with CF₃C≡CCF₃ gives a fluorocarbon-rhodium complex of approximate formula [RhCl(CO)_{2 or 3}(C₄F₆)]_n,xH₂O,yC₆H₆. The complex is an intermediate in the formation of tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)cyclopentadienone from CF₃C≡CCF₃ and CO in the presence of[Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂. The molecular structure of the complex remains obscure despite extensive study of its spectroscopic and chemical properties. The major products formed in the reactions of the complex with σ-cyclopentadienylthallium and with triphenylphosphine are (η- C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)₂(CF₃C₂CF₃)and Rh(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₂ respectively.