BASIC METALS .21. STRONG ELECTROPHILICITY OF COORDINATED C2H4 IN DICATIONIC ETHYLENE-RHODIUM(III) AND DICATIONIC ETHYLENE-RUTHENIUM(II) COMPLEXES

The complexes [C5H5Rh(PMe3)2C2H4]X2 (X = PF6, BF4) and [C6H6Ru(PMe3)2-C2H4](PF6)2 have been prepared by reaction of [C5H5RhC2H5(PMe3)2]X and [C6H6RuC2H5(PMe3)2]X with [CPh3]X. The ethylene ligand in the dications is readily attacked by nucleophiles N, where N = NEt3, PR3 (R = Me, i-Pr, Ph), P(OR)3 (R = Me, Ph), SCN- and probably I-, to form complexes containing Rh--C2H4N and Ru--C2H4N bonds. © 1979.