The reaction of (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(PPh3) with ethylene affords the ethylidene complex (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(PPh3)(μ-CHCH3)

The product isolated from the reaction of (μ-H)₂Os₃(CO)₉(PPh₃) with ethylene is shown to be the ethylidene complex (μ-H)₂Os₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)(μ-CHCH₃) (1) rather than the ethylene complex (μ-H)(H)Os₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)(C₂H₄), as previously claimed. The characterization of 1 is based on a combination of ¹H and ¹³C NMR results. The ¹H NMR data (δ 6.84 (1 H_D), 2.53 (3 H_C), J(CD) = 7.4 Hz) establish the presence of the ethylidene moiety, whereas detailed analysis of the 1-D and 2-D ¹³C NMR spectra of ¹³CO-enriched 1 indicates the relative positions of the ethylidene, hydride, and phosphine ligands on the triosmium framework.