Solid state structure of P(o-(CF3)Ph)3 substituted Rh2(CO)4(μ-Cl)2. Formation of dimeric [Rh2(CO)3(μ-Cl)2{P(o-(CF3)Ph)3}]2

Reaction of tris(o-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphane with tetracarbonyldi-μ-chlorodirhodium chloride leads to replacement of one carbonyl group to give dimeric units Rh2(CO)3(μ-Cl)2{P(o-(CF3)Ph)3}. The crystal structure indicates direct Rh–Rh interactions within and between the primary units, confirming the tetranuclear chain compound [Rh2(CO)3(μ-Cl)2{P(o-(CF3)Ph)3}2 as the actual solid state structure. The phosphane ligands, which are situated at the ends of the chain, prevent further interactions between neighboring tetrameric moieties and the formation of an infinite chain.