Catalytic deoxygenation of epoxides with (Cp*ReO)2(µ-O)2 and catalyst deactivation

Abstract

In situ reduction of Cp*ReO₃ by PPh₃ to form (Cp*ReO)₂(µ-O)₂ allows catalytic deoxygenation of epoxides, however, conproportionation between the Re^V and Re^VII species to form clusters of {(Cp*Re)₃(µ-O)₆}²⁺(ReO₄^–)₂ and new compound {(Cp*Re)₃(µ²-O)₃(µ³-O)₃ReO₃}⁺(ReO₄^–) leads to removal of rhenium from the catalytic cycle and loss of activity.