Ether and crown ether adduct complexes of sodium and potassium cyclopentadienide and methylcyclopentadienide—molecular structures of [Na(dme)Cp]∞, [K(dme)0.5Cp]∞, [Na(15-crown-5)Cp], [Na(18-crown-6)CpMe] and the “naked Cp–” complex [K(15-crown-5)2][Cp]

Abstract

The molecular structure, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry of the following compounds are described: [Na(dme)Cp]_∞ (polymeric zigzag chain), [K(dme)_0.5Cp]_∞ (2-dimensional polymeric zigzag), [Na(15-crown-5)Cp] (monomeric), [Na(18-crown-6)Cp^Me] (monomeric) and [K(15-crown-5)₂][Cp] {K(15-crown-5)₂ cation/naked cyclopentadienide anion}. The syntheses of the related species [Na(dme)Cp^Me], [K(dme)_0.5Cp^Me], [Na(15-crown-5)Cp^Me], [Na(18-crown-6)Cp] and [K(15-crown-5)₂][Cp^Me] are reported. The choice of coordination modes displayed by those species structurally characterised is discussed, particularly in terms of steric and electrostatic considerations.