Synthesis, characterization and X-ray crystal structure of Tp*WII{(R)-(+)-NHCH(Me)Ph}(CO)2

Abstract

Reaction of Tp*WIII(CO)2 [Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate] with (R)-(+)-α-methylbenzylamine [(R)-(+)-LH2] in dichloromethane yields blue, diamagnetic Tp*WII{(R)-(+)-LH}(CO)2, which has been characterised by microanalysis, mass spectrometry, infrared, 1H NMR, 13C{1H} NMR and electronic spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography. The six-coordinate, distorted-octahedral (skew-trapezoidal-bipyramidal) complex is composed of a W(II) center bound to mutually cis carbonyl [C–W–C = 71.1(3)°] and (R)-(+)-LH ligands and a facially tridentate Tp* ligand. The complex is unusually stable and resistant to oxygen- and sulfur-atom transfer reactions directed at the W center.