ON A RHODIUM COMPLEX WITH CARBON DIOXIDE

By a reaction of Rh4(CO)12 with P(C6H5)3, a rhodium carbonyl-triphenylphosphine complex (complex I) was prepared. This rhodium(0) complex is easily oxidized by molecular oxygen in aromatic solvents to give a new type of complex (II). Elemental analysis and other evidence indicate that this complex (II) has the molecular formula Rh2(CO)2(CO2)(P(C6H 5)3) 3Ln (L = benzene, toluene, o-, m-, and p-xylene, or mesitylene). By the use of 1802, the course of the oxidation reaction was examined. The infrared spectrum of the complex II was observed, and it was concluded that the coordinated carbon dioxide has a bent form. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.