Crystal structure of the novel neutral octahedral complex [(4′-(4-tbutylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)RhIII(Br)(acetonyl)2]

The synthesis and the crystal and molecular structure of a unique Rh(III) complex, [RhIII(Br)(acetonyl)2(4′-(4-tbutylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)] (1) are described. The yellow crystals separate from the acetone solution of the starting complex [Rh(Br)(COD)]2 and the ligand 4′-(4-tbutylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine after standing at room temperature for a prolonged period of time. The crystals are almost insoluble in all common organic solvents. The single-crystal X-ray structure determination shows that compound 1 is the first Rh-complex with a terdentate nitrogen ligand and two axially oriented, σ-bound acetonyl groups. DFT-calculations on a model complex without the substituent on the terpyridine ligand were carried out and agree very well with the X-ray results, confirming the constitution and geometry of the molecule.