[(R)-1,2-Diethoxycarbonylethyl]bis(dimethylglyoximato)(methyldiphenylphosphine)cobalt(III)

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Co(C 4 H 7 N 2 O 2 ) 2 (C 8 H 13 O 4 )(C 13 H 13 P)], has been determined in order to examine whether or not the chiral 1,2-diethoxycarbonylethyl group is racemized on exposure to either visible light or X-rays with retention of the single-crystal form. Although the reaction cavity of the chiral group is considerably large, the chiral group is isolated from the other chiral groups in the structure. The cooperative motion between the chiral groups necessary for the racemization of bulky groups may be impossible in such an isolated environment