The complex [Rh(O2Cisoq)(H)(SnPh3)(PPh3)2] (O2Cisoq ؍ isoquinoline-1-carboxylate), characterized by x-ray crystallography, was used as a precursor to three-center bonded complexes [Rh(O2Cisoq)( 2 -HSnPh3) (PPh3)(4-Rpy)] (R ؍ carbomethoxy, acyl, bromo, aldehyde, hydrogen, methoxy, dimethylamino), which were prepared in situ from the bis(phosphine) complex in dichloromethane by addition of the pyridine. Of two isomeric forms of [Rh(O2Cisoq)( 2 -HSnPh3) (PPh3)(4-Rpy)], one, with 4-Rpy positioned trans to tin, is formed at 0°C; the other, with isoquinoline positioned trans to tin, is formed by partial (25-50%) conversion of the first isomer (in solution) upon warming to 30 -35°C for a few minutes. The relative coordination geometries of the two isomers were established by using a 15 N-enriched pyridine. NMR parameters ( 1 H, 31 P, 103 Rh, and 119 Sn) for the pyridine-containing complexes show trends consistent with a significantly greater SnH interaction in complexes having isoquinoline lying trans to tin and a threshold of donor strength for the pyridine below which the influence on Rh(SnH) bonding is minimal and above which the influence is to enhance the SnH interaction. Possible reasons for these effects are discussed. 103 Rh NMR ͉ 119 Sn NMR ͉ three-center bond ͉ trans influence T hree-center bonds between a transition metal, hydrogen, and a group 4 element [i.e., M(EH), where E carries substituents] are of interest as intermediates in numerous metal-catalyzed reactions and also in their own right as examples of how, with a suitable combination of ligands, a transition metal can bind to a bond, an interaction historically considered to be most unlikely. A transition metal complex, or three-center bonded complex, reflects a finely balanced electronic state of the metal such that a relatively small change in electron density can lead to an oxidative addition product (where permitted by the coordination geometry and oxidation state of the metal) or to the dissociation of the bond (EH) from the metal. Numerous examples of transition metal ϪR 3 CH, ϪR 3 SiH, ϪR 3 GeH (1, 2), and ϪR 3 SnH (3-11) complexes [among a wider range of types, including M(H 2 )] are known, and the relevant literature for ϪR 3 CH (12-24) complexes (almost all of which are agostic, i.e., supported) and ϪR 3 SiH (25-29) complexes has been extensively reviewed.The characterization of three-center bonds has relied heavily on x-ray diffraction, which suffers from the drawback that a hydrogen in close proximity to a heavy atom is often difficult to locate with accuracy. For the purpose of locating such hydrogens, neutron diffraction is a superior method. A further problem associated with solid samples is that packing forces within a crystal can modify or distort a three-center bond, changing it from the form in which it exists in solution. The most commonly used means of characterizing three-center bonds in solution is NMR spectroscopy, aided by the fact that 1 H, 13 C, 29 Si, 119 Sn, and in some cases the transition metal (e.g., 103 Rh), are...