Activation of ortho carbon-hydrogen bonds in triphenyl phosphite complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic50111a009

Interactions between the central rhodium and ligand C-H bonds leading to exchange of hydrogen for deuterium have been observed in [(C₆H₅O)₃P]₃RhCl and [(C₆H₅O)₃P]₄Rh⁺. In [(C₆H₅O)₃P]₄Rh⁺ this exchange is preceded by oxidative addition of hydrogen and an equilibrium loss of a proton. Reaction of [(C₆H₅O)₃P]₃RhCl with phenylmagnesium chloride produces an air-sensitive ortho-bonded complex [(C₆H₅O)₃P]₂(C₆H ₅O)₂POC₆H₄Rh. Reactions of this complex with H₂, DCl, CO, and excess (C₆H₅O)₃P are reported.