Cluster Build-up Reactions using Di-gold Cationic Fragments: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of [Os7(CO)19(Au2dppm)

Abstract

The reaction of the di-gold cation [Au2(dppx)]2+ with the heptanuclear cluster dianion [Os7(CO)20]2− affords the mixed metal cluster [Os7(CO)20{Au2(dppx)}] (x=m (1), e (2), b (3)). On standing, in solution, this complex undergoes decarbonylation to give the cluster [Os7(CO)19{Au2(dppx)}] (x=m (4), e (5), b (6)). The complexes have been characterised spectroscopically, and an X-ray structure determination of the dppm derivative shows that it contains a metal core based on an Os7 edge-bridged bicapped tetrahedron with the two μ3-Au atoms capping adjacent triangular Os3 faces of the central tetrahedron. In an analogous reaction, the carbido anion [Os7(H)C(CO)19]− affords the neutral cluster [Os7C(CO)19{Au2(dppm)}] (7) when treated with [Au2(dppm)]2+ in the presence of base.