Ruthenium carbonyl clusters thermolysis

Indeed, there is a unity with the field of heterogeneous catalysis. As evidence of this, similar (or identical) Rh (C0)2 sites can be prepared either by CO chemisorption on preformed metal particles [69] or by decomposition of rhodium carbonyl clusters on the oxide surface [62-66]. Further evidence for this can be seen from the observation of metal carbonyl clusters under operating supported metal catalysts. For example, ruthenium catalysts for the conversion of synthesis gas to polymethylene [122] afford mixtures of cluster species at elevated temperatures (120°C) and pressures (1000 atm) [123]. One of these was Ru3(CO)i2 others appear to be ill-characterised. A similar observation has been recently reported for Ru/MgO and Os/MgO synthesis gas conversion catalysts [124]. On this basic support, two anionic clusters were isolated, viz. [Ru5C(C0)i5] and [OsiQC(CO)24] 7 which may be synthesised in solution by thermolysis in basic or reducing media. It is unclear whether these clusters are actually effecting the catalysis. They may instead, as highly stable species, be formed in a side reaction. 

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