Double deoxygenation of PPN(NO₂) using metal carbonyl clusters of cobalt, rhodium, and iridium

The reaction of PP(NO₂) with M₄(CO)₁₂ (M = Co, Rh) gives the nitrido clusters [M₆N(CO)₁₅]^- in 13 and 21% yields, respectively. A high yield synthesis (77%) of [Rh₆N(CO)₁₅)]^- directly from Rh₆(CO)₁₆ and PPN(NO₂) is also presented. PPN(NO₂) reacts with Ir₄(CO)₁₂ to give the new isocyanato cluster, [Ir₄(NCO)(CO)₁₁]^- in 34% yield, while the direct synthesis of this isocyanate product occurs in 77% yield from PPN(N₃) and Ir₄(CO)₁₂. Modifications of published procedures for the preparation of [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂ [Ir₆(CO)₁₅] and Ir₆(CO)₁₆ are reported that allow shorter reaction times and give higher yields. The reaction of Ir₆(CO)₁₆ with one equivalent of PPN(NO₂) generates a new cluster, PPN[Ir₆(CO)₁₅(NO)], in 57% yield which is proposed to contain a bent nitrosyl ligand. An additional equivalent of PPN(NO₂) gives (PPN)₂[Ir₆(CO)₁₅] in 84% yield with the evolution of N₂O as well as CO₂.