Abstract. Entrapment of Ru 3 (CO) 12 and Os 3 (CO) 12 within alumina sol-gel matrices, (obtained by hydrolysis and polycondensation of a THF solution of aluminum isopropoxide) converts these clusters into highly active, leachproof and recyclable hydrogen transfer catalysts. Likewise Rh 2 Co 2 (CO) 12 which, in its silica sol-gel entrapped form, neither promotes the isomerization of allylbenzene nor the disproportionation of dihydroarenes, becomes upon its entrapment in an alumina sol-gel matrix, an efficient and recyclable catalyst for these reactions. While the entrapped osmium cluster promotes at 100-110• C and 20 bar only the hydrogenation of alkenes, the ruthenium analog catalyzes also the saturation of the aromatic C C bonds. The hydrogenations take place via the hydride mechanism. XPS and TEM studies revealed that the carbonyl clusters do not decompose to give detectable amounts of (entrapped) metal particles during the encapsulation as well as during the catalytic processes.