Tungsten hexacarbonyl

Tungsten hexacarbonyl (also called tungsten carbonyl) is the chemical compound with the formula W(CO)6. This complex gave rise to the first example of a dihydrogen complex.[1]

Tungsten hexacarbonyl
Names
IUPAC name
Hexacarbonyltungsten
Other names
Tungsten carbonyl
Hexacarbonylwolfram
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ECHA InfoCard 100.034.423
EC Number
  • 237-880-2
Properties
C6O6W
Molar mass 351.901 g/mol
Appearance Colorless solid
Density 2.65 g/cm3
Melting point 170 °C (338 °F; 443 K) (decomposes)
insoluble
Solubility sparingly in THF
Hazards
Main hazards Flammable, CO source
Related compounds
Other cations
 Chromium hexacarbonyl
Molybdenum hexacarbonyl
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

This colorless compound, like its chromium and molybdenum analogs, is noteworthy as a volatile, air-stable derivative of tungsten in its zero oxidation state.

Preparation, properties, and structure

W(CO)6 is prepared by the reduction of WCl6 under a pressure of carbon monoxide. The compound is relatively air-stable. It is sparingly soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. Tungsten carbonyl is widely used in electron beam-induced deposition technique - it is easily vaporized and decomposed by the electron beam providing a convenient source of tungsten atoms.[2]

W(CO)6 adopts an octahedral geometry consisting of six rod-like CO ligands radiating from the central W atom with dipole moment 0 D.

Reactivity

All reactions of W(CO)6 commence with displacement of some CO ligands in W(CO)6. W(CO)6 behaves similarly to the Mo(CO)6 but tends to form compounds that are kinetically more robust.

Cyclopentadienyltungsten tricarbonyl dimer ((C5H5.)2W2(CO)6) is produced from W(CO)6.

.

Treatment of tungsten hexacarbonyl with sodium cyclopentadienide followed by oxidation of the resulting NaW(CO)3(C5H5) gives cyclopentadienyltungsten tricarbonyl dimer.[3]

One derivative is the dihydrogen complex W(CO)3[P(C6H11)3]2(H2).[1]

Three of these CO ligands can be displaced by acetonitrile.[4] W(CO)6 has been used to desulfurize organosulfur compounds and as a precursor to catalysts for alkene metathesis.

Safety and handling

Like all metal carbonyls, W(CO)6 is a dangerous source of volatile metal as well as CO.

References
  1. Kubas, G. J., Metal Dihydrogen and σ-Bond Complexes, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers: New York, 2001.
  2. Randolph, S.; Fowlkes, J.; Rack, P. (2006). "Focused, Nanoscale Electron-Beam-Induced Deposition and Etching". Critical Reviews of Solid State and Materials Sciences. 31 (3): 55. doi:10.1080/10408430600930438.
  3. Manning, A. R.; Hacket, Paul; Birdwhistell, Ralph (1990). "Hexacarbonylbis(η5‐Cyclopentadienyl)Dichromium, Molybdenum, and Tungsten and their Analogs, M2(η5‐C5H4R)2(CO)6 (M = Cr, Mo, and W; R = H, Me or PhCH2)". Inorganic Syntheses. 28: 148–149. doi:10.1002/9780470132593.ch39.
  4. Kubas, G. J.; van der Sluys, L. S. (1990). "TricarbonylTris(nitrile) Complexes of Cr, Mo, and W". Inorganic Syntheses. 28: 29–33. doi:10.1002/9780470132593.ch6.
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