A Molecular Paddlewheel with a Sliding Organometallic Latch: Syntheses, X‐Ray Crystal Structures and Dynamic Behaviour of [Cr(CO)3{η6‐2‐(9‐triptycyl)indene}], and of [M(CO)3{η5‐2‐(9‐triptycyl)indenyl}] (M=Mn, Re)

In [eta(6)-2-(9-triptycyl)-indene]tricarbonylchromium (2a), the indenyl-chromium moiety is linked directly to the axis of the three-bladed triptycene paddlewheel. However, the molecular structure of 2a reveals that there is no steric interaction between these components, and the paddlewheel is free to rotate. Accordingly, its NMR spectrum indicates the full equivalence of the blades of the triptycene. Deprotonation of the indene induces a …