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-OCH₂CH₂OH), 2a, can be elaborated by esterification with benzoyl chloride to give Os₃(μ-H)(CO)₁₀(μ-OCH₂CH₂OC(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)CH₂CHCH₂), 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-OCH₂CH₂OH)(PPh₃), 6.