bis [Dichloro(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium(III) and -iridium(III)] from bis [Chloro(1, 5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) and -iridium(I)] Oxidation, and Formation of 1, 5-Cyclooctadiene(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium(I)

An efficient and rapid alternative route for high yield (>90%) syntheses of [Cp∗MCl2]2 complexes (M = Rh, Ir) is described. This method involves the oxidation of M(I) to M(III) with HCl, from the commercially available [MCl(cod)]2 compounds (cod = 1, 5 cyclooctadiene). Repeating the above experiments for M =Rh but using Na2CO3 instead of HCl, afforded the known compound [Cp∗RhCod].