Electrochemical behavior of rhodium (I) alkylisocyanides in various solvents and supporting electrolyte systems

The electrochemical behavior of several rhodium(I) dimers containing two bridging diphenylphosphinomethane ligands and alkyl isocyanide ligands have been examined using cyclic voltammetry, coulometry and bulk electrolysis. The effect of coordinating and non-coordinating solvents and supporting electrolytes on the oxidation of these complexes has been investigated. A correlation of the ease of oxidation and the bulkiness of the isocyanide ligand has been observed.

Several new rhodium(II) dimers have been prepared by oxidation of the rhodium(I) dimers in acetonitrile or in methylene chloride. These novel complexes have been characterized using infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis.