Coupling reactions of phosphido–triosmium carbonyl clusters with [M3(CO)12](M = Ru, Os): a simple route to higher nuclearity homo- and hetero-nuclear phosphinidene–osmium carbonyl clusters

Abstract

Reaction of phosphido-clusters (1), (2) with [M₃(CO)₁₂](M = Os, Ru) at elevated temperatures gives phosphinidene clusters (5)–(15) as products in excellent overall yield: for the first time in cluster chemistry ¹⁸⁷Os–³¹P couplings have been determined and their use as a tool in structural elucidation discussed.