Activation of small molecules by osmium(II) and ruthenium(II) complexes

Abstract The reactions of oxygen, ethylene, sulphur dioxide, carbon disulphide and carbon monoxide with the complexes M H X (CO)(PCy 3 ) 2 , where M = Ru or Os, X = Cl or Br, and PCy 3 = tricyclohexyl-phosphine have been described. The possible structures of these compounds are discussed. The preparation and properties of the complexes RuBr 2 (CO)(PCy 3 ) 2 and OsCl 2 (CO)(PCy 3 ) 2 are reported.