Solvent-dependent formation of two different Cd(II) complexes with p-BrC6H4C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2 (HL). Crystallographic modification of Cd(HL)2L2

Reaction of the potassium salt of N-(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)-p-bromothiobenzamide p-BrC₆H₄C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)₂ (HL) with Cd(II) cations in freshly dried and distilled EtOH leads exclusively to the complex [Cd(p-BrC₆H₄C(S)NH₂-S)(L-O,S)₂] ([Cd(L^I)L₂]), while the same reaction in H₂O leads to the complex [Cd(HL-O)₂(L-O,S)₂] ([Cd(HL)₂L₂]). The corresponding reactions with Zn(II) always lead to the complex [Zn(L-O,S)₂] ([ZnL₂]) regardless of the solvent. The crystal structure of [Cd(HL)₂L₂]^.2/3H₂O reveals to be a polymorph to the previously reported anhydrous [Cd(HL)₂L₂].     

Trifluoroacetylacetonate rhodium(III) methyl complexes, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh3)2(CH3)(L)][BPh4] and cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh3)2(CH3)(I)] (L = CH3CN, NH3, pyridine), in comparison with their acetylacetonate analogs

The oxidative addition of CH₃I to planar rhodium(I) complex [Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂] in acetonitrile (TFA is trifluoroacetylacetonate) leads to the formation of cationic, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] (1), or neutral, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(I)] (4), rhodium(III) methyl complexes depending on the reaction conditions. 1 reacts readily with NH₃ and pyridine to form cationic complexes, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(NH₃)][BPh₄] (2) and cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(Py)][BPh₄] (3), respectively. Acetylacetonate methyl complex of rhodium(III), cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(I)] (5), was obtained by the action of NaI on cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] in acetone at −15 °C. Complexes 1-5 were characterized by elemental analysis, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR. For complexes 2, 3, 4 conductivity data in acetone solutions are reported. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 were determined. NMR parameters of 1-5 and related complexes are discussed from the viewpoint of their isomerism.     

Synthesis of [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(SP)] and [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(SP)] and their catalytic activities for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene

The reaction of [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)₃] (1) with o-styryldiphenylphophine (SP) (2) gave [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)(SP)] (3) in 83% yield. This styrylphosphine ruthenium complex 3 can also be synthesized by the reaction of [Ru(p-MeOC₆H₄NN)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (4) with NaBH₄ and 2 in 50% yield. When “Ru(CO)(PPh₃)₃” generated by the reaction of [RuH₂(CO)(PPh₃)₃] (8) with trimethylvinylsilane reacted with 2, [Ru(CO)(PPh₃)₂(SP)] (10) was produced in moderate yield as an air sensitive solid. The spectral and X-ray data of these complexes revealed that the coordination geometries around the ruthenium center of both complexes corresponded to a distorted trigonal bipyramid with the olefin occupying the equatorial position and the C-C bonding in the olefin moiety in 3 and 10 contained a significant contribution from a ruthenacyclopropane limiting structure. Complexes 3 and 10 showed catalytic activity for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene 11 with aniline 12. Ruthenium complex 3 in the co-presence of NH₄PF₆ or H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ proves to be a superior catalyst system for this hydroamination reaction. In the case of the reaction using H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ as an additive, ketimines (13) was obtained in 99% yield at a ruthenium-catalyst loading of 0.1 mol%. Some aniline derivatives such as 4-methoxy, 4-trifluoromethyl-, and 4-bromoanilines can also be used in this hydroamination reaction.     

A 2-iridathiophene from reaction between IrCl(CS)(PPh3)2 and Hg(CHCHPh)2

The thiocarbonyl analogue of Vaska’s compound is produced in high yield by first treating IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with CS₂ and methyl triflate to give [Ir(κ²-C[S]SMe)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂]CF₃SO₃ (1), secondly, reacting 1 with NaBH₄ to give IrHCl(C[S]SMe)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2), and finally heating 2 to induce elimination of both MeSH and CO to produce IrCl(CS)(PPh₃)₂ (3). When IrCl(CS)(PPh₃)₂ is treated with Hg(CHCHPh)₂ the novel 2-iridathiophene, Ir[SC₃H(Ph-3)(CHCHPh-5)]HCl(PPh₃)₂ (4) is produced. The X-ray crystal structure of the iodo-derivative of 4, Ir[SC₃H(Ph-3)(CHCHPh-5)]HI(PPh₃)₂ (5) confirms the unusual 2-metallathiophene structure. Treatment of IrCl(CS)(PPh₃)₂ with Hg(CHCPh₂)₂ produces both a coordinatively unsaturated 1-iridaindene, Ir[C₈H₅(Ph-3)]Cl(PPh₃)₂ (6) and a chelated dithiocarboxylate complex, Ir(κ²-S₂CCHCPh₂)Cl(CHCPh₂)(PPh₃)₂ (7). X-ray crystal structure determinations for 6 and 7 are reported.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the heteroleptic lanthanum(III) bis-diphosphinomethanide complex [La{CH(PPh2)2}2(I)(THF)2]

Treatment of CH₂(PPh₂)₂ with n-BuLi/t-BuOK in diethyl ether affords the potassium diphosphinomethanide complex [K{CH(PPh₂)₂}(OEt₂)_0.5] (1) in high yield. Metathesis of two equivalents of 1 with LaI₃(THF)₄ yields the heteroleptic bis-diphosphinomethanide complex [La{CH(PPh₂)₂}₂(I)(THF)₂] (2). X-ray crystallography shows the diphosphinomethanide ligands in 2 adopt different coordination modes in the solid state; one adopts a κ²-PP mode with no La-C contact, and the other adopts an η³-PCP mode, thus giving an eight-coordinate lanthanum centre.     

Four isomers from the oxidative addition of Me3SnH to Os(CO)2(PPh3)3 and the crystal structure of Os(SnMeI2)I(CO)2(PPh3)2, in which the pairs of CO and PPh3 ligands are mutually trans

Reaction between Os(CO)₂(PPh₃)₃ and Me₃SnH produces Os(SnMe₃)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (1). Multinuclear NMR studies of solutions of 1 reveal the presence of four geometrical isomers, the major one being that with mutually cis triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually trans CO ligands. Os(SnMe₃)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ undergoes a redistribution reaction, at the trimethylstannyl ligand, when treated with Me₂SnCl₂ giving Os(SnMe₂Cl)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (2). Solutions of 2 again show the presence of four isomers but now the major isomer is that with mutually trans triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually cis CO ligands. The redistribution reaction of 1 with SnI₄ produces Os(SnMeI₂)H(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (3) which exists in solution as only one isomer, that with mutually trans triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually trans CO ligands. Treatment of 3 with I₂ cleaves the Os-H bond with retention of geometry giving Os(SnMeI₂)I(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4). The crystal structure of 4 has been determined. No isomerization of the trans dicarbonyl complex 4 occurs when 4 is heated, instead there is a formal loss of “MeSnI” and formation of OsI₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (5).     

Synthesis and characterisation of six Fe(II or III), Co(II) or Zr(IV) complexes containing the ligand [CH(SiMe2R)P(Ph)2NSiMe3] (R = Me, NEt2) and of [Co{N(SiMe3)C(Ph)C(H)P(Ph)2NSiMe3}2]

The C,N-(trimethylsilyliminodiphenylphosphoranyl)silylmethylmetal complexes [Fe(L)₂] (3), [Co(L)₂] (4), [ZrCl₃(L)]·0.83CH₂Cl₂ (5), [Fe(L)₃] (6), [Fe(L′)₂] (7) and [Co(L′)₂] (8) have been prepared from the lithium compound Li[CH(SiMe₂R)P(Ph)₂NSiMe₃] [1a, (R = Me) {≡ Li(L)}; 1b, (R = NEt₂) {≡ Li(L′)}] and the appropriate metal chloride (or for 7, FeCl₃). From Li[N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)C(H)P(Ph)₂NSiMe₃] [≡ Li(L″)] (2), prepared in situ from Li(L) (1a) and PhCN, and CoCl₂ there was obtained bis(3-trimethylsilylimino- diphenylphosphoranyl-2-phenyl-N-trimethylsilyl-1-azaallyl-N,N′)cobalt(II) (9). These crystalline complexes 3-9 were characterised by their mass spectra, microanalyses, high spin magnetic moments (not 5) and for 5 multinuclear NMR solution spectra. The X-ray structure of 3 showed it to be a pseudotetrahedral bis(chelate), the iron atom at the spiro junction.     

Synthesis and characterization of some novel ruthenium(II) complexes containing thiolate ligands

Reactions of the ruthenium complexes [RuH(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₃] and [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] with hetero-difunctional S,N-donor ligands 2-mercapto-5-methyl-1,3,5-thiadiazole (HL¹), 2-mercapto-4-methyl-5-thiazoleacetic acid (HL²), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (HL³) have been investigated. Neutral complexes [RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(HL¹)] (1), [RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(HL²)] (2), [RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(HL³)] (3), [Ru(PPh₃)₂(HL¹)₂] (4), [RuCl(PPh₃)₃(HL²)] (5), and [RuCl(PPh₃)₃(HL³)] (6) imparting κ²-S,N-bonded ligands have been isolated from these reactions. Complexes 1 and 4 reacted with diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (PPh₂Py) to give neutral κ¹-P bonded complexes [RuCl(CO)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(HL¹)] (7), and [Ru(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(HL¹)₂] (8). Complexes 1-8 have been characterized by analytical, spectral (IR, NMR, and electronic absorption) and electrochemical studies. Molecular structures of 1, 2, 4, and 7 have been determined crystallographically. Crystal structure determination revealed coordination of the mercapto-thiadiazole ligands (HL¹-HL³) to ruthenium as κ²-N,S-thiolates and presence of rare intermolecular S-S weak bonding interaction in complex 1.     

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl2{meso-o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}] with a series of small molecules

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl₂(κ⁴-P4)] (2; P4 = meso-o-C₆H₄(PPhCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂) with a series of small molecules have been investigated. Thus, treatment of 2 with alkynes RCCR′ (R = Ph, R′ = H; R = p-tolyl, R′ = H; R = Me, R′ = Ph) in benzene or toluene gave neutral mono(alkyne) complexes [MoCl₂(RCCR′)(κ³-P4)] containing tridentate P4 ligand, which were converted to cationic complexes [MoCl(RCCR′)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl having tetradentate P4 ligand upon dissolution into CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂. The latter complexes were available directly from the reactions of 2 with the alkynes in CH₂Cl₂. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 1 equiv. of XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) afforded a seven-coordinate mono(isocyanide) complex [MoCl₂(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)] (7), which reacted further with XyNC to give a cationic bis(isocyanide) complex [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (8). From the reaction of 2 with CO, a mono(carbonyl) complex [MoCl₂(CO)(κ⁴-P4)] (9) was obtained as a sole isolable product. Reaction of 9 with XyNC afforded [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (10a) having a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial CO and XyNC ligands, whereas that of 7 with CO resulted in the formation of a mixture of 10a and its isomer 10b containing axial CO and Cl ligands. Structures of 7 and 9 as well as [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆](8′) and [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆] (10a′) derived by the anion metathesis from 8 and 10a, respectively, were determined in detail by the X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and derivatization, structures and transition metal (Mo(0), Fe(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II)) complexes of phenylaminobis(diphosphonite), PhN{P(OC6H4OMe-o)2}2

The synthesis, derivatization and coordination behavior of a new aminobis(diphosphonite), PhN{P(OC₆H₄OMe-o)₂}₂ (1) is described. The ligand 1 reacts with H₂O₂, elemental sulfur or selenium to give the corresponding dichalcogenides PhN{P(E)(OC₆H₄OMe-o)₂}₂ (E = O, 2; S, 3; Se, 4) in good yield. Reactions of 1 with Mo(CO)₆, Pd(NCCH₃)₂Cl₂ and Pt(COD)Cl₂ resulted in the formation of the chelate complexes, Mo(CO)₄[PhN{P(OC₆H₄OMe-o)₂}₂] (5) and MCl₂[PhN{P(OC₆H₄OMe-o)₂}₂] (M = Pd,7; M = Pt, 8) whereas in the reaction of 1 with [CpFe(CO)₂]₂, one of the P-N bonds cleaves due to the metal assisted hydrolysis to give a mononuclear complex, [CpFe(CO){P(O)(OC₆H₄OMe-o)₂}{PhN(H)(P(OC₆H₄OMe-o)₂)}] (6). The molecular structures of 1, 4, 5 and 6 are determined by X-ray studies.     

New organomercury(II) compounds containing intramolecular N → Hg interactions: crystal and molecular structure of [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4]HgCl and [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4]Hg[S(S)PPh2]

[2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]HgCl (1) was prepared by reacting HgCl₂ with [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Li in diethyl ether. The reactions of 1 with the sodium or ammonium salt of the appropriate thiophosphinato ligand, in 1:1 molar ratio, afford the isolation of [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Hg[S(S)PR₂] [R=Me (2), Et (3), Ph (4)], [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Hg[S(O)PPh₂] (5) and [2-(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]Hg[S(S)P(OⁱPr)₂] (6). The compounds were investigated by IR and multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 1 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Due to the strong intramolecular coordination of the N atom of the pendant CH₂NMe₂ arm [Hg(1)-N(1) 2.764(6) and 2.725(4) Å in 1 and 4, respectively] both compounds exhibit a T-shaped (C,N)HgX core in the molecular unit, with almost linear arrangement of the covalent bonds [C(1)-Hg(1)-Cl(1) 176.93(18)° in 1, and C(1)-Hg(1)-S(1) 169.54(16)° in 4]. The crystals of 1 contain discrete monomeric molecules, while the crystals of 4 contain dimer associations built through asymmetric bridging dithiophosphinato ligands [Hg(1)-S(1) 2.3911(16) Å, Hg(1)?S(2a) 3.102(2) Å], thus resulting in an overall pseudo-trigonal bipyramidal (or seesaw) (C,N)HgS₂ core, with the nitrogen atom and the weekly bonded sulfur atom in equatorial positions [N(1)-Hg(1)?S(2a) 82.01(10)°].     

Formation and structural characterization of novel polynuclear palladium selenolato complexes [Pd3Se(SePh)3(PPh3)3]Cl and [Pd6Cl2Se4(SePh)2(PPh3)6]

In addition to well-known dinuclear phenylselenolato palladium complexes, the reaction of [PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂] and NaSePh affords small amounts of novel trinuclear and hexanuclear complexes [Pd₃Se(SePh)₃(PPh₃)₃]Cl (1) and [Pd₆Cl₂Se₄(SePh)₂(PPh₃)₆] (2). Complex 1 is triclinic, P1?, a=13.6310(2), b=16.2596(2), c=16.9899(3) Å, α=83.1738(5), β=78.9882(5), γ=78.7635(5)°. Complex 2 is monoclinic, C2/c, a=25.7165(9), b=17.6426(8), c=27.9151(14) Å, β=110.513(2)°. There are no structural forerunners for 1, but the hexanuclear complex 2 is isostructural with [Pd₆Cl₂Te₄(TeR)₂(PPh₃)₆] (R=Ph, C₄H₃S) that have been observed as one of the products in the oxidative addition of R₂Te₂ to [Pd(PPh₃)₄]. Mononuclear palladium complexes may play a significant role as building blocks in the formation of the polynuclear complexes.     

Syntheses and properties of Re(III) complexes derived from hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methanes: molecular structure of [ReCl2(HCpz3)(PPh3)][BF4]

The complexes [ReCl₂{N₂C(O)Ph}(Hpz)(PPh₃)₂] (1) (Hpz = pyrazole), [ReCl₂{N₂C(O)Ph}(Hpz)₂(PPh₃)] (2), [ReCl₂(HCpz₃)(PPh₃)][BF₄] (3) and [ReCl₂(3,5-Me₂Hpz)₃(PPh₃)]Cl (4) were obtained by treatment of the chelate [ReCl₂{η²-N,O-N₂C(O)Ph}(PPh₃)₂] (0) with hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methane HCpz₃ (1,3), pyrazole Hpz (1,2), hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃ (4) or dimethylpyrazole 3,5-Me₂Hpz (4). Rupture of a C(sp³)-N bond in HCpz₃ or HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃, promoted by the Re centre, has occurred in the formation of 1 or 4, respectively. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopy, FAB-MS spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and, for 1 · CH₂Cl₂ and 3, also by single crystal X-ray analysis. The electrochemical E_L Lever parameter has been estimated, for the first time, for the HCpz₃ and the benzoyldiazenide NNC(O)Ph ligands.     

New orthopalladated complexes of phosphorus ylides: Crystal structure of [Pd{CH{P(C7H6)(p-tolyl)2}COCH3}Cl{P(p-tolyl)3}]

This work reports on the preparation of the complexes [PdCl₂(Y¹)₂], [PdCl₂(Y²)₂] (Y¹ = (p-tolyl)₃PCHCOCH₃ (1a); Y² = Ph₃PCHCO₂CH₂Ph (1b)), [Pd{CHP(C₇H₆)(p-tolyl)₂COCH₃}(μ-Cl)]₂ (2a), [Pd{CHP(C₆H₄)Ph₂CO₂CH₂Ph}(μ-Cl)]₂ (2b), [Pd{CH{P(C₇H₆)(p-tolyl)₂}COCH₃}Cl(L)] (L = PPh₃ (3a), P(p-tolyl)₃ (4a)) and [Pd{CH{P(C₆H₄)Ph₂}CO₂CH₂Ph}Cl(L)] (L = PPh₃ (3b), P(p-tolyl)₃ (4b)). Orthometallation and ylide C-coordination in complexes 2a–4b are demonstrated by an X-ray diffraction study of 4a.     

Cyclopalladated complexes with N-(benzoyl)-N-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazine: syntheses, characterization and structural studies

Cyclopalladated complexes with the Schiff base N-(benzoyl)-N^′-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazine (H₂L, 1) have been described. The reaction of 1 with Li₂[PdCl₄] in methanol yields the complex [Pd(HL)Cl] (2). [Pd(HL)(CH₃CN)Cl] (3) has been prepared by dissolving 2 in acetonitrile. In methanol-acetonitrile mixture, treatment of 2 with two mole equivalents of PPh₃ produces [PdL(PPh₃)] (4) and that with one mole equivalent of PPh₃ produces [Pd(HL)(PPh₃)Cl] (5). Crystallization of 2 from dmso-d₆ results into isolation of [Pd(HL)((CD₃)₂SO)Cl] (6). In 2, the monoanionic ligand (HL⁻) is C,N,O-donor and the Cl-atom is trans to the azomethine N-atom. In 3, 5 and 6, HL⁻ is C,N-donor and the Cl-atom is trans to the metallated C-atom. The remaining fourth coordination site is occupied by the N-atom of CH₃CN, the P-atom of PPh₃ and the S-atom of (CD₃)₂SO in 3, 5 and 6, respectively. Thus on dissolution in acetonitrile and dmso and in reaction with stoichiometric PPh₃ the incoming ligand imposes a rearrangement of the coordinating atoms on the palladium centre. On the other hand, in presence of excess PPh₃ deprotonation of the amide functionality in 2 occurs and the Cl-atom is replaced by the P-atom of PPh₃ to form 4. Here the dianionic ligand (L²⁻) remains C,N,O-donor as in 2. The compounds have been characterized with the help of elemental analysis (C, H, N), infrared, ¹H NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 3, 4, and 6 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Syntheses of rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C5H3)2}-Zr{RN(CH2)3NR}, structural analyses of rac-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C5H3)2}Zr{RN(CH2)3NR} (where R is SiMe3 or Ph), and meso to rac isomerization

Syntheses of rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂}Zr{Me₃SiN(CH₂)₃NSiMe₃} (rac-3/meso-3) and rac/meso-{PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂}Zr{PhN(CH₂)₃NPh} (rac-4/meso-4) were achieved by metallation of K₂[PhP(3-t-Bu-C₅H₃)₂] · 1.3 THF (2) with Zr{RN(CH₂)₃NR}Cl₂(THF)₂ (where R = SiMe₃ or Ph, respectively) using ethereal solvent. These isomeric pairs were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy; rac-3 and rac-4 were also examined via single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structures of rac-3 and rac-4 are notable in the tendency of the cyclopentadienyl rings towards η³ coordination. While isolated samples of rac-3/meso-3 and rac-4/meso-4 slowly isomerize in tetrahydrofuran-d₈ to equilibrium ratios, the isomerization rate for 3 is more than 15-fold greater than that for 4. In addition, equilibrium ratios are rapidly reached when isolated samples of rac-3/meso-3 and rac-4/meso-4 are exposed to tetrabutylammonium chloride in tetrahydrofuran-d₈ solvent. We propose that a nucleophile (either chloride or the phosphine interannular linker) brings about dissociation of one cyclopentadienyl ring, thus promoting the rac/meso isomerization mechanism.     

Exchange of boryl ligand substituents in Os[B(OEt)2]Cl(CO)(PPh3)2

Reaction between Os[B(OEt)₂]Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ and 1,2-ethanediol in the presence of Me₃SiCl (1 equivalent) leads to the tethered boryl complex, Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1), in which one ethoxy substituent on the boryl ligand is exchanged with one hydroxy group of the 1,2-ethanediol leaving the other OH group available to coordinate to osmium, so giving a six coordinate complex. This formulation is confirmed by crystal structure determination. The same reactants, but with 2 equivalents of Me₃SiCl, lead to the yellow, coordinatively unsaturated complex, OsCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2). Complex (2) adds CO to give OsCl(CO)₂ (PPh₃)₂ (3). Crystal structure determinations of 2 and 3 reveal a very marked difference in the Os-B distances found in the five coordinate complex 2 (2.043(4) Å) and the six coordinate complex 3 (2.179(7) Å). In a reaction similar to that used for forming 2 but with 1,3-propanediol replacing 1,2-ethanediol, the product is OsCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (4). The crystal structure for 4 is also reported.