The effect of Co2(CO)8 on the decomposition of CoH(CO)4

The thermal decomposition of CoH(CO)₄ in solution to Co₂(CO)₈ and H₂ is catalyzed by Co₂(CO)₈; the effect of the latter is proportional to the square root of the concentration. Probably the Co(CO)₄· radical is involved in the process. One-electron reactions of the trityl radical with CoH(CO)₄ and benzophenone ketyl with Co₂(CO)₈ are discribed.