Reaction of some aliphatic and aromatic nitriles with tungsten(VI) chloride leading to the formation of tungsten–nitrogen multiply bonded compounds

Abstract

From the reaction of WCl₆ with a number of aliphatic and aromatic nitriles, compounds [WCl₄(NCRCl₂)]·RCN (R = Me, CH₂Cl, CHCl₂, CH₂ClCCl₂, CH₂CH, CMe₃, Ph, C₆H₄Cl-4, C₆H₄Me-2, or C₆H₄Me-4) have been isolated. These species have been characterised by analysis and n.m.r. and i.r. spectroscopy. It is suggested that these metal imido-derivatives may be intermediates in the formation of WCl₄·2RCN from the reaction of WCl₆ with alkyl cyanides.