Oxidative addition of iodo-acetonitrile and of elemental halogens to [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3].

The reaction of [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3](1) with one mole-equivalent of iodo-acetonitrile was quantitative at -70 degrees C giving the oxidative addition product [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3(I)(CH2CN)](2). Fragmentation of was observed in solution giving [Pt2I(CH2CN)(CO)2(PCy3)2](3) which is the major product at room temperature if the starting cluster/reactant ratio is equal to or less than 1 to 1.5.

Experimental and theoretical study of intramolecular exchange in Ir2Rh2(CO)12 and Ir4(CO)11(micro-SO2).

As observed by variable-temperature and -pressure 13C NMR, intramolecular carbonyl scrambling in Ir2Rh2(CO)12 and Ir4(CO)11(micro-SO2) proceeds via a 'change of basal face' mechanism. In both cases the site exchange process has a positive activation volume suggesting that the transition states contain longer M-M distances compared to ground states of Cs symmetry. Transition state structures have been located by density functional calculations including relativistic effects.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Site Exchanges in Rh(4)(CO)(12) and IrRh(3)(CO)(12).

As observed by variable temperature and pressure (13)C NMR, the intramolecular scrambling of carbonyl ligands in Rh(4)(CO)(12) and IrRh(3)(CO)(12) is due to a merry-go-round process (3 &mgr;(2)-CO <--> 3 eta(1)-CO) about any triangular face of the metal tetrahedron. Both cluster compounds have a negative activation volume on going from the bridged ground-state structure of C(3)(v)() symmetry to an unbridged transition state, suggesting that bridged M-M distances are longer than unbridged M-M distances. Site exchange is faster in Rh(4)(CO)(12) than in IrRh(3)(CO)(12) where the apical position is occupied by an iridium atom.