10.1039/DT9930003097
The research investigates the synthesis and properties of sandwich complexes of tungsten and molybdenum containing hexafluorobenzene (C6F6) or 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene (C6H3F3-1,3,5) ligands. The purpose is to explore the reactions of metal atoms with potentially oxidising ligands and extend the known role of hexafluorobenzene as a ligand. Key chemicals used include molybdenum or tungsten atoms, hexafluorobenzene, 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene, benzene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. The researchers found that reacting molybdenum or tungsten atoms with these ligands at liquid-nitrogen temperature produced new compounds such as [M(C6F6)2], [M(C6H3F3-1,3,5)2], and mixed-ligand complexes like [M(C6F6)(C6H6)] and [M(C6F6)(C6H3Me3-1,3,5)]. The study revealed that these complexes are stable and resistant to air oxidation, with bond lengths and angles indicating typical metal-arene bonding. The 19F and 1H NMR spectra showed significant inter-ring coupling, making some spectra easier to interpret. The research concludes that hexafluorobenzene can form stable complexes with transition metals, and this finding could stimulate further conventional organometallic synthesis in this area.