Efficient microwave syntheses of the compounds Os3(CO)11L, L = NCMe, py, PPh3

The results of simple microwave-assisted ligand substitution reactions of Os3(CO)12 are reported. In a remarkably short period of time, the labile complex Os3(CO)11(NCMe) is prepared in high yield without the need for a decarbonylation reagent such as trimethylamine oxide. Microwave irradiation of Os3(CO)12 in a relatively small amount of acetonitrile is shown to be a useful first step in two-step, one-pot syntheses of the cluster complexes Os3(CO)11(py) and Os3(CO)11(PPh3).