Four isomers from the oxidative addition of Me3SnH to Os(CO)2(PPh3)3 and the crystal structure of Os(SnMeI2)I(CO)2(PPh3)2, in which the pairs of CO and PPh3 ligands are mutually trans

Reaction between Os(CO)2(PPh3)3 and Me3SnH produces Os(SnMe3)H(CO)2(PPh3)2 (1). Multinuclear NMR studies of solutions of 1 reveal the presence of four geometrical isomers, the major one being that with mutually cis triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually trans CO ligands. Os(SnMe3)H(CO)2(PPh3)2 undergoes a redistribution reaction, at the trimethylstannyl ligand, when treated with Me2SnCl2 giving Os(SnMe2Cl)H(CO)2(PPh3)2 (2). Solutions of 2 again show the presence of four isomers but now the major isomer is that with mutually trans triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually cis CO ligands. The redistribution reaction of 1 with SnI4 produces Os(SnMeI2)H(CO)2(PPh3)2 (3) which exists in solution as only one isomer, that with mutually trans triphenylphosphine ligands and mutually trans CO ligands. Treatment of 3 with I2 cleaves the Os–H bond with retention of geometry giving Os(SnMeI2)I(CO)2(PPh3)2 (4). The crystal structure of 4 has been determined. No isomerization of the trans dicarbonyl complex 4 occurs when 4 is heated, instead there is a formal loss of “MeSnI” and formation of OsI2(CO)2(PPh3)2 (5).