Stepwise cluster synthesis via addition reactions of [OsH2(CO)4] and Na2[Os(CO)4]; the X-ray crystal structure of [Os7H2(CO)20]

Abstract

[OsH₂(CO)₄] and Na₂[Os(CO)₄] displace acetonitrile from Os₃ cluster species to afford [Os₄H₂(CO)₁₅],[Os₄H₂(CO)₁₄(MeCN)], and [Os₄H₂(CO)₁₃] whilst Os₆ clusters afford [Os₇H₂(CO)₂₁] and [Os₇H₂(CO)₂₀] in high yields, thereby allowing the stepwise conversion of Os_n into Os_{n+ 1} clusters; the structure of [Os₇H₂(CO)₂₀] has been established by X-ray analysis.