Pentacarbonylhydridorhenium

Pentacarbonylhydridorhenium is a chemical compound with the formula ReH(CO)₅. This colorless liquid is a weak acid and represents one of the most important derivatives of dirhenium decacarbonyl (Re₂(CO)₁₀). It is synthesized by treating a methanolic solution of bromopentacarbonylrhenium(I) (Re(CO)₅Br) with zinc and acetic acid (HOAc).

Re(CO)₅Br + Zn + HOAc → ReH(CO)₅ + ZnBrOAc

It is moderately sensitive to light: samples turn yellow due to the formation of the metal cluster Re₃H(CO)₁₄

3 Re(CO)₅H → Re₃H(CO)₁₄ + H₂ + CO

At 100 °C, it decomposes to Re₂(CO)₁₀:

2 Re(CO)₅H → H₂ + Re₂(CO)₁₀