Functionalisation of terpyridine complexes containing the Re(CO)3(+) moiety.

The investigation into the substitution and addition chemistry of Re(sigma(2)-terpy)(CO)(3)Cl shows that the chloride in Re(sigma(2)-terpy)(CO)(3)Cl (1) may be substituted for acetonitrile to give [Re(sigma(2)-terpy)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)][PF(6)] (2), but in the cationic complex [Re(sigma(2)-terpyMe)(CO)(3)Cl][PF(6)] (4), where the pendant pyridine has been methylated, substitution of the chloride could not be achieved using standard conditions. However, use of [Re(sigma(2)-terpyMe)(CO)(3)I][PF(6)] (3) results in the formation of [Re(sigma(2)-terpyMe)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)][PF(6)](2) (5). The acetonitrile ligand in complex 2 was found to be labile and could be substituted by pyridine donors.