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]
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
Hexacarbonyltungsten | |
Other names
Tungsten carbonyl Hexacarbonylwolfram | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.034.423 |
EC Number |
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PubChem CID |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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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.
![](../I/m/CP2W2(CO)6.svg.png)
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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
- Kubas, G. J., Metal Dihydrogen and σ-Bond Complexes, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers: New York, 2001.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.