Structure and properties of di-μ-acetato-dichlorobis(2,2′-bipyridine)dirhodium(II)-trihydrate

Reduction of [Rh-2(mu-OAc)(2)(bpy)(2)(H2O)(2)](OAc)(2) and [Rh2Cl2(mu-OAc)(2)(bpy)(2)] . 3H(2)O complexes with ethanol and [Cr-2(OAc)(4)(H2O)(2)] has been investigated using e.p.r. and u.v.-vis. spectra. The results indicate that stable complexes containing the [Rh-2(3+)] entity are not formed. The X-ray structure of [Rh2Cl2(mu-OAc)(2)(bpy)(2)] . 3H(2)O has been determined. Coordination around the Rh atom is in the form of a distorted octahedron. The complex shows an almost ideal eclipsed conformation. The equatorial coordination sites are occupied by bridging carboxylato ligands and 2,2'-bipyridine and axial positions by the Cl ligand and the rhodium atom. The Rh-Rh distance is 2.574 Angstrom.