Synthesis and structure of Zr2Cl4(η6-C6H5PMe2)2(PMe2Ph)2, an arene complex of zirconium(II)

Abstract The title compound consists of two identical subunits, (PMe2Ph)CI2Zr(η6-C6H5PMe2), connected by the coordination of the phosphorus atom of each (η6-C6H5PMe2) moiety to the zirconium atom of the other. There are two crystallographically distinct molecules, each on a 1 position, in the unit cell. In each a pyramidal trans-ZrP2Cl2 unit has an η6- arene ring opposite and approximately parallel to the mean plane of the P2Cl2 set of atoms. The crystals are isotypic to those of the previously reported Hf2Br4(η6- C6H5PMe2)2(PMe2Ph)2. They are triclinic, P 1 with a=9.172(2), b=13.710(2), c=15.458(1) A, α=1,01.47(1), β=91.74(1), θ=98.21(1)°, V=18 82.1(4) A3, Z=2. The Zr to carbon distances are in the range 2.29–2.52 A, the mean Zr-Cl distance is 2.506112] A and the Zr-P distances are in the range 2.759(2)-2.771(2) A.