A Structurally Characterized Cobalt(I) σ-Alkane Complex

The synthesis, and x-ray structure, of a cobalt s -alkane complex, [Co(Cy 2 P(CH 2 ) 4 PCy 2 )( norbornane )][BAr F 4 ], is achieved by a single-crystal to single-crystal solid/gas hydrogenation from a norbornadiene precursor. Magnetic data show this complex to be a triplet. Periodic DFT and electronic structure analyses identify weak C-H ··· Co σ -interactions, augmented by dispersive stabilisation between the alkane ligand and the anion-microenvironment. The calculations are most consistent with a η 1 : η 1 -alkane binding mode.