Surface organometallic chemistry: A new synthesis of [Re-2(CO)(6)(mu-OH)3[(_) from [Re(CO)(3)H](4) Supported on a silica surface added with K2CO3; Evidence of its thermal binding to the surface via Re-O-Si bonds confirmed by the synthesis of the molecular models [Re-2(CO)6(mu-OH)(x)(mu-OSiEt3)(3-x)](-) (x=0, 1, or 2) by reaction of [Re-2(CO)(6)(mu-OH)3](-) with Et3SiOH

Reaction at 25 degreesC of [Re(CO)(4)OH](4) on a silica surface added with K2CO3 affords physisorbed K[Re-2(CO)(6)(mu -OH)(3)] which is anchored to th e silica surface by further treatment at 200 degreesC. This novel surface c hemistry is easily mimicked in solution: reaction of [Re(CO)(3)OH](4) With K2CO3 or [NEt4]OH in water represents a new convenient synthesis for [Re-2( CO)(6)(mu -OH)(3)](-) which can be converted into the molecular models [Re- 2(CO)(6)(mu -OH)(x)(mu -OSiEt3)(3-x)](-) (x = 0, 1, or 2) by reaction with Et3SiOH under well-defined conditions.