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Updated: May 31, 2026
10:44
Isolating Free Carbenes, their Mixed Dimers and Organic Radicals
Published on: April 19, 2019
(Acetonitrile-κN)penta-carbonyl-tungsten(0)
Christoph E Strasser1, Stephanie Cronje, Helgard G Raubenheimer
1Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
Summary
This study details the coordination of an acetonitrile ligand to a tungsten(0) center. The tungsten-nitrogen bond length was measured, confirming an octahedral geometry.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Tungsten carbonyl complexes are important in catalysis.
- Understanding ligand coordination is key to complex reactivity.
- Acetonitrile is a common solvent and ligand in organometallic chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the coordination of acetonitrile to a tungsten(0) center.
- To determine the W-N bond length in the [W(CH(3)CN)(CO)(5)] complex.
- To confirm the coordination geometry around the tungsten atom.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography was used to determine the molecular structure.
- The W-N bond length was precisely measured.
- Coordination environment was analyzed.
Main Results:
- The acetonitrile ligand coordinates end-on to the tungsten center.
- The measured W-N bond length is 2.186(4) Å.
- An octahedral coordination environment around the tungsten atom was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The structure of [W(CH(3)CN)(CO)(5)] was elucidated.
- The coordination mode of acetonitrile was confirmed as end-on.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of tungsten carbonyl chemistry.
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