Crystal structure of the zerovalent niobium complex Nb (η-C6H5Me)2

Abstract The crystal structure of Nb(η-C 6 H 5 Me) 2 ( 1 ), prepared by co-condensation of niobium metal atoms with toluene vapor, has been determined. The toluene rings lie parallel to one another on either side of the niobium metal center ( Nb−C = 2.334(5) A av. ), with methyl groups almost perfectly eclipsed. Crystal data for 1 (at −50 °C): orthorhombic, space group Pbcn , a =13.706(3), b =11.977(2), c =13.753(3) A, V=2257.6 A 3 , D calc =1.631 g cm −3 , Z=8, R=0.0421, R w =0.0612 .