Osmium(II) chloride

Osmium(II) chloride or osmium dichloride is an inorganic compound composed of osmium metal and chlorine with the chemical formula.

Synthesis
Osmium(II) chloride can be prepared by disproportionation of osmium(III) chloride at 500 °C in vacuum.


 * 2OsCl3 -> OsCl4 + OsCl2

Physical properties
Osmium(II) chloride is a hygroscopic dark brown solid that is insoluble in water.

It is soluble in ethanol and ether.

Chemical properties
Osmium(II) chloride does not react with hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.

It reacts with CO at 220 °C:


 * OsCl2 + 3CO -> Os(CO)3Cl2

Uses
Osmium(II) chloride can be used for the catalytic production of trialkylamines.