Ditertiary phosphine derivatives of the heteronuclear cluster RuOs3(μ-H)2(CO)13

The heteronuclear cluster RuOs3(μ-H)2(CO)13 (1) reacted readily with a number of ditertiary phosphines under chemical activation with trimethylamine-N-oxide. The solid-state and solution structures of these derivatives have been examined. Six structural types have been characterized crystallographically, including one in which a phenyl group migrates from the ditertiary phosphine ligand to the metal framework. There are many more isomers present in solution, most of which are rapidly inter-converting via hydride migrations.

Graphical abstractThe heteronuclear cluster RuOs3(μ-H)2(CO)13 (1) reacted readily with a number of ditertiary phosphines under chemical activation with TMNO. The solid-state and solution structures of these derivatives have been examined. Six structural types have been characterized crystallographically. There are many more isomers present in solution, most of which are rapidly inter-converting via hydride migrations.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide