Synthesis and crystal structure of [(µ2-H)Os3(CO)8{C(O–)C(CHMe–)CHCHCEt}]: a cluster compound containing a µ3-trisubstituted-η5-cyclopentadienyl system

Abstract

Pyrolysis of the metallocyclohexadienone cluster compound [Os₃(CO)₉{(EtC₂H)₂CO}] yields a product of gross stoicheiometry ‘Os₃(CO)₉(EtC₂H)₂,’ which has been shown, via an X-ray structural investigation, to be derived from the starting material via a combination of ring contraction to an η⁵-cyclopentadienyl system, oxidative addition of an aliphatic C–H bond to the osmium cluster, and loss of a carbonyl ligand.