Synthesis and catalytic activity of rhodium diene complexes bearing indenyl-type fullerene η5-ligand

Rhodium η5-complexes bearing an indenyl-type fullerene ligand, Rh[C60(PhCH2)2Ph](cod) (2), Rh[C60(PhCH2)2Ph](nbd) (3) and Rh(C70Ph3)(cod) (4), have been synthesized from the corresponding fullerene tri-adducts in 93–96% yields. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 4 indicated that the structure of 4 is similar to that of Rh(Ind)(cod). The rhodium complex 2 catalyzes alkyne trimerization reactions and hydroboration reactions.