The aqua ligand in the titled complex (prepared by a simple two-step, high-yield synthesis) is readily replaced by the desired anionic ligand Z
−, to give a six-coordinate neutral species
fac-Mn(CO)
3(dppe)Z. Examples of such complexes where Z
O
NO
2, CN, OMe, OC(O)OMe, and OS(O)
2CF
3 (OTf) are reported herein. Neutral ligands also replace the aqua ligand to give ionic complexes [
fac-Mn(CO)
3(dppe)Z]BF
4. Examples where Z=2,6-dimethylphenyl (xylyl) isocyanide, acetonitrile, benzonitrile, and acrylonitrile are also reported herein. Crystal structures of
fac-Mn(CO)
3(dppe)NO
3 (
2), [
fac-Mn(CO)
3(dppe)(xylyl-NC)]BF
4 (
7), and [
fac-(CO)
3Mn(dppe)(PhCN)]BF
4 (
9), are reported.