2-Lithio-2-methylpropionitrile and 2-lithio-2-phenyl-1,3-dithiane react with 2,6-dimethylchlorobenzenetricarbonylchromium ( 1) to give after treatment with CF 3CO 2H, a single arenetricarbonylchromium complex via tele-para nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Complex 1 has a staggered conformation in the solid state and in solution.