The reaction of H2Os3(CO)(12) with ClSnPh(3) in the presence of diethy
lamine gives exclusively the pentametallic chain compound 3-ax,ax-Ph(3
)SnOs(CO)(4)Os(CO)(4)Os(CO)(4)SnPh(3). A similar reaction with ClAuPPh
(3) gives ax,eq-Ph(3)PAuOs(CO)(4)Os(CO)(4)Os(CO)(4)AuPPh(3). The di-ti
n compound reacts with HCl to give 1,3-ax,ax-Cl3SnOs(CO)(4)Os(CO)(4)Os
(CO)(4)SnCl3. These products are obtained in high yield and the reacti
ons are selective.