Use of an optically active germanium species for the resolution of diastereoisomeric transition metal complexes with five different and independent ligands

Abstract Reaction of optically active MePh(1-C 10 H 7 )GeLi with (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )M(CO) 2 NO (M = Mo, W) results in replacement of CO and formation of anionic species which can be alkylated with CH 3 I to afford mixtures of diastereoisomeric complexes, (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )M(CO)(NO)(GeR 3 )CH 3 (R 3 = MePh(1-C 10 H 7 ); M = Mo, W). These complexes are the first in which a transition metal, surrounded by five different ligands shows optical activity. These compounds are not fluxional and show a high optical stability; under forcing conditions decomposition occurs before epimerisation.