| Summary: | <p>The synthesis of rhodium complexes with weakly binding highly fluorinated benzene ligands is described: 1,2,3‐F<sub>3</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>, 1,2,3,4‐F<sub>4</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>2</sub> and 1,2,3,4,5‐F<sub>5</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H are shown to bind with cationic [Rh(Cy<sub>2</sub>P(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub><em>x</em></sub>PCy<sub>2</sub>)]<sup>+</sup> fragments (<em>x=</em>1, 2). Their structures and reactivity with alkenes, and use in catalysis for promoting the Tishchenko reaction of a simple aldehyde, are demonstrated. Key to the synthesis of these complexes is the highly concentrated reaction conditions and use of the [Al{OC(CF<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>}<sub>4</sub>]<sup>−</sup> anion.</p>
|
|---|