Abstract
The complexes [Co2(CNCH2Ph)10](ClO4)4 · 5H2O and [Co(CNCH2Ph)4‐ {OAs(C6H4Me‐p)3}2](ClO4)3 have been synthesized, and characterized to the extent that their limited stability in solution allows. Infrared and electronic spectra are analogous to those of the known BF4 – salts, but the expected diamagnetic and intermediate‐spin magnetic states, respectively, could not be established. The trans‐[Co(CNCH2Ph)4{OAs(C6H4Me‐p)3}2](ClO4)3 complex, nevertheless, shows labile character in ligand‐substitution reactions with trialkylphosphines, producing trans‐[Co(CNCH2Ph)4(PR3)2](ClO4)3 (PR3 = P(C3H7‐n)3 or P(C4H9‐n)3) in apparent instantaneous reactions at 0 °C.
Acknowledgment
The authors wish to thank the Faculty of Science Research and Publications Committee of the University of Botswana for a grant supporting this research.