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°C of [Re(CO)3OH]4 on a silica surface added with K2CO3 affords physisorbed K[Re2(CO)6(μ-OH)3] which is anchored to the silica surface by further treatment at 200°C. This novel surface chemistry is easily mimicked in solution: Reaction of [Re(CO)3OH]4 with K2CO3 or [NEt4]OH in water represents a new convenient synthesis for [Re2(CO)6(μ-OH)3]- which can be converted into the molecular models [Re2(CO)6(μ-OH)x (μ-OSiEt3)3-x]- (x = 0, 1, or 2) by reaction with Et3SiOH under well-defined conditions.