Synthesis of [Cu₃Os₃H₉(PMe₂Ph)₉], a Bimetallic Raft, by Reductive Elimination of Alcohol or H₂

Abstract

A planar Cu3Os3 framework forms the core of the title compound, which can be synthesized via two routes. Noteworthy is its isolation from [HCuPPh3] and [H4Os(PMe2Ph)3] with elimination of PPh3 and H2. Inspection of the structure of the cluster (Figure on the right, metal atoms hatched), shows that the Os atoms are shielded by the phosphane ligands, but the Cu atoms are accessible through a tunnel of phenyl and methyl groups.