Decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium

Decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium is a chemical compound with the formula Os3(CO)10H2. This compound is a cluster of three osmium atoms, with ten carbonyl (CO) and two hydride (H) ligands. It is a member of the class of compounds known as metal carbonyls, which are complexes that contain metal atoms bonded to carbon monoxide ligands.

Structure and Bonding

Decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium adopts a triangular structure, with the three osmium atoms forming the vertices of the triangle. Each osmium atom is bonded to three carbonyl ligands and one hydride ligand. The remaining four carbonyl ligands bridge the edges of the triangle, with two carbonyls on each edge.

The bonding in decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium involves metal-metal bonding, as well as coordination bonding between the metal atoms and the carbonyl and hydride ligands. The metal-metal bonds are facilitated by the d-orbitals of the osmium atoms, which overlap to form a molecular orbital that is delocalized over the entire cluster.

Synthesis

Decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium can be synthesized from osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and carbon monoxide (CO) under high pressure and temperature. The reaction also produces carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct.

Applications

Due to its unique structure and bonding, decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium has potential applications in catalysis. Specifically, it can serve as a precursor for the synthesis of other osmium carbonyl clusters, which can be used as catalysts in various chemical reactions.

Safety

Like other metal carbonyls, decacarbonyldihydridotriosmium is toxic and should be handled with care. It can release toxic carbon monoxide gas if heated or decomposed.