Pentacarbonylhydridorhenium Explained

Pentacarbonylhydridorhenium is a chemical compound with the formula ReH(CO)5. This colorless liquid is a weak acid and represents one of the most important derivatives of dirhenium decacarbonyl (Re2(CO)10). It is synthesized by treating a methanolic solution of bromopentacarbonylrhenium(I) (Re(CO)5Br) with zinc and acetic acid (HOAc).[1]

Re(CO)5Br + Zn + HOAc → ReH(CO)5 + ZnBrOAc

It is moderately sensitive to light: samples turn yellow due to the formation of the metal cluster Re3H(CO)14

3 Re(CO)5H → Re3H(CO)14 + H2 + CO

At 100 °C, it decomposes to Re2(CO)10:[1]

2 Re(CO)5H → H2 + Re2(CO)10

References

  1. Michael A. Urbancic, John R. Shapley . Pentacarbonylhydridorhenium . . 28 . 165–8 . 1990 . 10.1002/9780470132593.ch43 . 9780470132593 .