Reactions between metal carbonyl anions and cations: rapid two-electron transfer followed by one-electron back transfer

The reaction of Re(CO){sub 5}{sup {minus}} with Mn(CO){sub 6}{sup +} is reported to proceed by a rapid two-electron, one-carbonyl transfer and then a slower one-electron back transfer to the binuclear products. Also the reactions of Mn(CO){sub 5}{sup {minus}} with Mn(CO){sub 6}{sup +} to give Re{sub 2}(CO){sub 10} are reported. Use of {sup 13}CO labeled anions have shown that both of these reactions are accompanied by a rapid two-electron transfer. 13 refs., 1 tab.