Cationic distorted octahedral complexes [ReOCl(OEt); X¼ReO 4 , PF 6 } were prepared by reaction of trans-[ReOCl 3 (PPh 3 ) 2 ] with a twofold molar excess of L in ethanol under anaerobic conditions. X-ray structure determinations of [ReOCl(OEt)(eami)(PPh 3 )](ReO 4 ) (1a) and its etmi equivalent (3a) were performed. In 1a coordination of the chloride occurs trans to the imidazole nitrogen. However, in 3a the chloride is coordinated trans to the ethereal sulfur donor of etmi.