Action of triphenylphosphine on [Rh(HCOO)(PPh3)2(CO)]. A novel synthetic route to [HRh(PPh3)3(CO)]

Rhodium(I) carbonyl formato complex, trans-[Rh(HCOO)(PPh3)2(CO)], on heating in propanol-2 in the presence of excess triphenylphosphine converts into carbonyl hydride complex, [HRh(PPh3)3(CO)], with a good yield. The reaction provides a new and attractive method of synthesis of [HRh(PPh3)3(CO)].