The synthesis of
sandwich complexes of rhenium is essentially limited
to compounds of the type [Re(η6-arene)2]+ via the Fischer–Hafner approach. This strategy
is not compatible with arenes carrying functional groups or nonaromatic
polyenes in particular. As reported, naphthalene in [Re(η6-C6H6)(η6-C10H8)]+ and in [Re(η6-C10H8)2]+ are exchanged by
functionalized arenes in low to medium yields. In contrast, cyclic
nonaromatic polyenes exchange naphthalene straight and in good to
very good yields. We report herein on the syntheses of rhenium sandwich
complexes with seven- and eight-membered rings bearing multiple double
bonds such as cyclohepta-1,3,5-triene, tropone, or cycloocta-1,3,5-triene.
Starting from [Re(η6-C6H6)(η6-C10H8)]+ and [Re(η6-C10H8)2]+, sandwich
complexes such as [Re(η7-C7H7)(η5-C7H9)]+ and
others are obtained and fully characterized in high yields (70–86%).
These nonaromatic sandwich complexes form highly stable compounds.