Sterically crowded organometallics. 2. Influence of complexation and intramolecular edge-to-face aromatic-aromatic interactions upon the solid-state conformational preference of arboroles

The solid state conformations of the prototypal doubly branched arborole molecule 1,2,4,5-C 6 H 2 {Ch(Ch 2 Ph) 2 } 4 and its FeCp + complex have been determined via single crystal x-ray crystallography. The conformations observed appear to limit the ability of this particular arborole to act as a host via encapulation of small molecules. Indeed, both molecules crystrallize with acetone solvate molecules that do not interact with the arborole