The reaction of carbon dioxide with rhodium and iridium hydroxy complexes

Abstract

The reactions of trans-M(OH)(CO)(PPh 3) 2 for M = Rh and Ir with CO 2 are described. The rate of reaction of Rh(OH)CO)(PPh 3) 2 in CH 2Cl 2 and in the presence of traces of water is first order in complex and independent of CO 2 and water concentrations. In the complete absence of water the reaction proceeds by a much faster pathway.