Symmetric and Non-Symmetric Dinuclear Alkenyl-Bridged Carbene Complexes of Chromium and Tungsten

Abstract

Treatment of (CO)5W=C(NMe2)CH=CH−Ar−(OH)(H)C≡CH (1a−b) [a: −Ar− =1,4-C6H4−; b: −Ar− = 2,5-C4H2S−] with W(CO)5(THF) in methanol yields the nonsymmetrical bis(alkenylcarbene)-bridged ditungsten complexes (CO)5W=C(NMe2)CH=CH−Ar−CH=CH(OMe)C=W(CO)5 (3a−b). Similarly, the symmetrical bis(methoxycarbene)ditungsten derivative [(CO)5W=C(OMe)CH=CH−]2(1,4-C6H4−) (4a) is obtained in a low yield from the precursor (CO)5W=C(OMe)CH=CH−C6H4−(OH)(H)C≡CH (2a). Complexes 3a and 3b undergo aminolysis reactions with diamines such as piperazine and ethylenediamine to produce the corresponding bis[alkenyl(amino)carbene]ditungsten complexes 5a−b and 6a−b. The reaction of 1a with Cr(CO)5(THF) affords the heterobimetallic (W−Cr) bis(carbene) complex (CO)5W=C(NMe2)CH=CH−Ar−CH=CH(OMe)C=Cr(CO)5 (3′a). This complex, as well as the bis(methoxycarbene) derivative 4′a, can also be obtained by treatment of (CO)5W=C(XR)CH=CH−C6H4−CHO [1c: XR = NMe2; 2c: XR = OMe] with (CO)5Cr=C(OMe)CH2−Li+. All the new compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods, and the single-crystal structures of 3a, 4a−b, and 4′a have been established.