Modulation of σ-alkane interactions in [Rh(L2)(alkane)]+ Solid-State Molecular Organometallic (SMOM) systems by variation of the chelating phosphine and alkane: Access to η2,η2-σ-alkane Rh(I), η1-σ-alkane Rh(III) complexes, and alkane encapsulation

Solid/gas Single–Crystal to Single–Crystal (SC–SC) hydrogenation of appropriate diene precursors forms the corresponding σ–alkane complexes [Rh(Cy2P(CH2)nPCy2)(L)][BArF4] (n = 3, 4) and [RhH(Cy2P(CH2)2(CH)(CH2)2PCy2)(L)][BArF4] (n = 5, L = norbornane, NBA; cyclooctane, COA). Their struc-tures, as determined by single–crystal X-ray diffraction, have cations exhibiting Rh···H–C σ–interactions which are modulated by both the chelating ligand and the identity of the alkane, while all sit in an octahedral anion–microenvironment. These range from chelating η2,η2 Rh···H–C (e.g. [Rh(Cy2P(CH2)nPCy2)(η2η2–NBA)][BArF4], n = 3 and 4), through to more weakly bound η1 Rh··H–C in which C–H activation of the chelate backbone has also occurred (e.g. [RhH(Cy2P(CH2)2(CH)(CH2)2PCy2)(η1–COA)][BArF4]) and ultimately to systems where the alkane is not ligated with the metal center, but sits encapsulated in the supporting anion microenvironment – [Rh(Cy2P(CH2)3PCy2)][COA⊂BArF4] – in which the metal center instead forms two intramolecular agostic η1 Rh···H–C interactions with the phosphine cyclohexyl groups. CH2Cl2 adducts formed by displacement of the η1–alkanes in solution (n = 5; L = NBA, COA), [RhH(Cy2P(CH2)2(CH)(CH2)2PCy2)(η1–ClCH2Cl)][BArF4], are characterized crystallographically. Analyses via periodic DFT, QTAIM, NBO and NCI calculations, alongside variable temperature solid–state NMR spectroscopy, provide snapshots marking the onset of Rh σ-alkane interactions along a C···H activation trajectory. These are negligible in [Rh(Cy2P(CH2)3PCy2)][COA⊂BArF4]; in [RhH(Cy2P(CH2)2(CH)(CH2)2PCy2)(η1–COA)][BArF4] σC–H→Rh σ-donation is supported by Rh→σ*C-H ‘pregostic’ donation; and in [Rh(Cy2P(CH2)nPCy2)(η2η2-NBA)][BArF4] (n = 2-4) σ-donation dominates, supported by classical Rh(dπ)→σ*C-H π-back donation. Dispersive interactions with the [BArF4]- anions and Cy substituents further stabilize the alkanes within the binding pocket