Two polymorphs of [Rh(μ-I)(COD)]2

Abstract

The solid-state structure of di-μ-iodido-bis{[(1,2,5,6-η)-cycloocta-1,4-diene]rhodium(I)}, [Rh2I2(C8H12)2] or [Rh(μ-I)(COD)]2, was determined from two crystals with different morphologies, which were found to correspond to two polymorphs containing Rh dimers with significantly different molecular structures. Both polymorphs are monoclinic and the [Rh(μ-I)(COD)]2 molecules in each case possess C2 v symmetry. However, the core geometry of the butterfly-shaped Rh2I2 core differs substantially. In the C2/c polymorph, the core geometry of [Rh(μ-I)(COD)]2 B is bent, with a hinge angle of 96.13 (8)° and a Rh...Rh distance of 2.9612 (11) Å. The P21/c polymorph features a more planar [Rh(μ-I)(COD)]2 P core geometry, with a hinge angle of 145.69 (9)° and a Rh...Rh distance of 3.7646 (5) Å.