Synthesis and Reactivity of Molybdenum and Tungsten Alkyne Complexes Containing 6-Methylpyridine-2-thiolate Ligands

A series of M(II) and M(IV) (M=Mo, W) alkyne adducts employing two 6-methylpyridine-2-thiolate (6-MePyS) ligands was synthesized and investigated towards the nucleophilic attack of PMe₃ on the coordinated alkynes. For this approach, 2-butyne (C₂Me₂), phenylacetylene (HC₂Ph), and diphenylacetylene (C₂Ph₂) were used. For the exploration of an intramolecular attack, but-3-yn-1-ol (HCCCH₂CH₂OH) was coordinated to the metal centers. A nucleophilic attack of PMe₃ was observed in W(CO)(HC₂Ph)(6-MePyS)₂] yielding an η²-vinyl compound. Reaction of W(CO)(C₂Ph₂)(6-MePyS)₂] with excess PMe₃ resulted in the selective coordination of one molecule of PMe₃ concomitant with decoordination of the nitrogen atom of one 6-MePyS ligand. In contrast, the W(IV) complexes did not react with PMe₃. While no selectivity was observed in the reaction of the Mo(II) compounds with PMe₃, alkynes in the Mo(IV) compounds were replaced by PMe₃. Addition of Et₃N to the but-3-yn-1-ol complexes did not lead to the anticipated formation of 2,3-dihydrofuran.