Octahedral Gyroscope-Like Molecules with M(CO)3(X) Rotators Encased in Three-Spoked Diphosphine Stators: Syntheses by Alkene Metathesis/Hydrogenation Sequences, Structures, Dynamic Properties, and Reactivities

Threefold ring-closing metatheses of mer,trans -Re(CO) 3 (X)(P((CH 2 ) 6 CH CH 2 ) 3 ) 2 (X = Cl, Br), followed by hydrogenations, yield the gyroscope-like species which react with NaI or Ph 2 Zn to give substitution products; crystal structures have been determined, and low-temperature NMR data indicate rapid rotation of the Re(CO) 3 (X) moieties.