Abstract: Fast time-resolved infrared spectroscopic measurements have allowed precise determination of the rates of activation of alkanes by Cp′Rh(CO) (Cp ′ = η 5 -C 5 H 5 or η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ). We have monitored the kinetics of C─H activation in solution at room temperature and determined how the change in rate of oxidative cleavage varies from methane to decane. The lifetime of CpRh(CO)(alkane) shows a nearly linear behavior with respect to the length of the alkane chain, whereas the related Cp*Rh(CO)(alkane) has clear oscillatory behavior upon ch...
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