Chemical transformations on diols anchored to a triosmium cluster

Abstract

Clusters of the general formula Os3(μ-H)(CO)10(μ-O-OH), 2, have been synthesised from the reaction of Os3-(μ-H)(CO)10(μ-OH) with the appropriate glycol. The free -OH function of the glycol derivative, Os3(μ-H)(CO)10-(μ-OCH2CH 2OH), 2a, can be elaborated by esterification with benzoyl chloride to give Os3(μ-H)(CO)10-(μ-OCH2CH 2OC(O)Ph), 3, and partially oxidised to give Os3(μ-H)(CO)10(μ-OCH2CHO), 4a. Cluster 4a itself can undergo allylation to give Os3(μ-H)(CO)10(μ-OCH2CH(OH)CH 2CH=CH2), 5, or react with PhMgBr to give Os3(μ-H)(CO)10(μ-OCH2CH(OH)Ph), 2e. Cluster 2a can also be functionalised at the cluster metal core with PPh3 as Os3(μ-H)(CO)9(μ-OCH2CH 2OH)(PPh3), 6.