Transition-metal complexes containing phosphorus ligands. Part VII. New and improved syntheses of some triphenylphosphine complexes of rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and osmium

Abstract

Previously reported, convenient, single-stage syntheses for important hydride, carbonyl, and nitrosyl containing triphenylphosphine complexes of the platinum group metals have been further improved by use of ethanolic potassium hydroxide or triethylamine in place of sodium borohydride as basic reducing agent. The technique has also been extended to include convenient new syntheses for the ruthenium and osmium triphenylphosphine derivatives. cis-RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂, OsHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃, OsH₂(CO)(PPh₃)₃, and OsH₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂. The stereochemistry of these last-named complexes is discussed. Attempts to extend this mode of synthesis to include derivatives of other triarylphosphines are described. New complexes synthesised include Rh(NO)L₃[L = P(p-C₆H₄Cl)₃ and P(p-C₆H₄Me)₃] and Ru(CO)₃L₂[L = P(p-C₆H₄Me)₃ and P(p-C₆H₄OMe)₃].