The (NHEt3) [Rh(C6Cl2O4) (CO)(2)] complex: an example of the adverse counterion influence in the formation of metallic stacks

Abstract

The synthesis and complete characterisation of the chloroanilato anionic rhodium complexes (NHEt3)[Rh(C6Cl2O4)(COD)] (1) and (NHEt3)[Rh(C6Cl2O4)(CO)2] (2) are reported. In these complexes the chloroanilate dianion chelates the metal through the 1,2 oxygen atoms. The crystal structure of complex (NHEt3)[Rh(C6Cl2O4)(CO)2] (2) reveals the adverse influence of the counterion in the formation of metal-columnar stacking. Although the molecules exhibit intermetallic interactions between the planar mononuclear units, the presence of secondary hydrogen bonding between NHEt3+ and the anionic rhodium complexes prevents the formation of an infinite stacked structure.