Abstract
(Bpm)Cr(CO)4 (bpm = 2,2′-bis(pyridyl)methane) has been synthesized, and the kinetics and mechanism of the displacement of bpm by tri(isopropyl)phosphite and tri(n-butyl)phosphine in 1,2-dichloroethane at various temperatures has been investigated. The data support competitive unimolecular ring-opening and concerted ring-opening via interaction of the substrate with the ligand. Unexpectedly small values for the respective rate constants are attributed to residual ring-rigidity in the substrate. Data are compared to other systems containing bidentate chelating ligands coordinating through nitrogen.

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