A Lead-μ₂‑Tetrylide Complex with Osmium(IV) Terminal Components

A bare lead atom is a σ-donor ligand capable of linearly bonding and stabilizing two units of a classical polyhydride complex, with a high-valent metal center. As a proof of concept, we have prepared and characterized the μ2-tetrylide complex (PiPr3)2H4OsPbOsH4(PiPr3)2 in the reaction of OsH6(PiPr3)2 with Pb­{N­(SiMe3)2}2. Although the Pb–Os bonds exhibit electrostatic interaction, the main orbital interactions result from two dative σ bonds from the lead atom to the osmium centers. The latter also provide much weaker π-backdonations.