Synthesis and reactivity of ReH7(AsPh3)2

Abstract

The synthesis of ReH7(AsPh3)2 is reported. Surprisingly, this complex appears to be a classical heptahydride and is remarkably resistant to substitution by nitrogen and phosphorus donor ligands. The reactivity of this polyhydride towards silanes and stannanes was also studied. The new complexes, ReH6(SiPh3) (AsPh3)2 and ReH6 (SnPh3) (AsPh3)2, are formed with Ph3EH (E=Sn, Sn) but ReH7 (AsPh3)2 does not react with chelating silanes. These products appear to be more stable than their phosphine-supported analogues.