Synthesis and application of diphenylbis (3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane to form η-arene complexes of molybdenum

The neutral nitrogen-bidentate ligand, diphenylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane, Ph₂CPz′₂, can readily be obtained by the reaction of Ph₂CCl₂ with excess HPz′ in a mixed-solvent system of toluene and triethylamine. It reacts with [Mo(CO)₆] in 1,2-dimethoxyethane to give the η²-arene complex, [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₃] (1). This η²-ligation appears to stabilize the coordination of Ph₂CPz′ ₂ in forming [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₂(N₂C₆H₄NO₂-p)][BPh₄] (2) and [Mo(Ph₂CPz′₂)(CO)₂(N₂Ph)] [BF₄] (3) from the reaction of 1 with the appropriate diazonium salt but the stabilization seems not strong enough when [Mo{P(OMe)₃} ₃(CO)₃] is formed from the reaction of 1 with P(OMe)₃. The solid-state structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography: 1-CH₂Cl₂, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 11.814(3), b = 11.7929(12), c = 19.46 0(6) Å, β = 95.605(24)°, V = 2698.2(11) ų, Z = 4, D_calc = 1.530 g/cm³ , R = 0.044, R_w = 0.036 based on 3218 reflections with I > 2σ(I); 2 (3)-1/2 hexane-1/2 CH₃OH-1/2 H₂O-1 CH₂Cl₂, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 41.766(10), b = 20.518(4), c = 16.784(3) Å, β = 101.871(18)°, V = 14076(5) ų, Z = 8, D_calc = 1.457 g/cm³, R = 0.064, R_w = 0.059 based on 5865 reflections with I > 2σ(I). Two independent cations were found in the asymmetric unit of the crystals of 3. The average distance between the Mo and the two η²-ligated carbon atoms is 2.574 Å in 1 and 2.581 and 2.608 Å in 3. The unfavourable disposition of the η²-phenyl group with respect to the metal centre in 3 and the rigidity of the η²-arene ligation excludes the possibility of any appreciable agostic C---H → Mo interaction.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrogenation catalytic activity of [Ru3(μ3,η-ampy)(μ,η:η-PhC=CHPh)(CO)6(PPh3) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The compound [RU₃(μ₃,η²- -ampy)(μ₃η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃)₂] (1) (ampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridinate) has been prepared by reaction of [RU₃(η-H)(μ₃,η²- ampy) (μ,η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₇(PPh₃)] with triphenylphosphine at room temperature. However, the reaction of [RU₃(μ-H)(μ₃, η² -ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₃)₂] with diphenylacetylene requires a higher temperature (110°C) and does not give complex 1 but the phenyl derivative [RU₃(μ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η ¹:η² -PhC=CHPh)(μ,-PPh₂)(Ph)(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (2). The thermolysis of complex 1 (110°C) also gives complex 2 quantitatively. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by0 X-ray diffraction methods. Complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the homogeneous hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene to a mixture of cis- and trans -stilbene under mild conditions (80°C, 1 atm. of H₂), although progressive deactivation of the catalytic species is observed. The dihydride [RU₃(μ-H)₂(μ ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η¹:η²- PhC=CHPh)(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂] (3), which has been characterized spectroscopically, is an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.     

Substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands—10. Intramolecular steric interactions in [(η-C5H3(SiMe3)2)Mo(CO)2(L)I]

Reaction of C₅H₄(SiMe₃)₂ with Mo(CO)₆ yielded [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂)Mo(CO)₃]₂, which on addition of iodine gave [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂Mo(CO)₃I]. Carbonyl displacement by a range of ligands: [L = P(OMe)₃, P(OPrⁱ)₃,P(O-o-tol)₃, PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃, P(m-tol)₃] gave the new complexes [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂ MO(CO)₂(L)I]. For all the trans isomer was the dominant, if not exclusive, isomer formed in the reaction. An NOE spectral analysis of [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂)Mo(CO)₂(L)I] L = PMe₂Ph, P(OMe)₃] revealed that the L group resided on the sterically uncongested side of the cyclopentadienyl ligand and that the ligand did not access the congested side of the molecule. Quantification of this phenomenon [L = P(OMe)₃] was achieved by means of the vertex angle of overlap methodology. This methodology revealed a steric preference with the trans isomer (less congestion of CO than I with an SiMe₃ group) being the more stable isomer for L = P(OMe)₃.     

Interaction of half-sandwich alkylmolybdenum(III) complexes with B(C6F5)3. The X-ray structure of [CpMo(η-C4H6)(μ-Cl)(μ-CH2)(O)MoCp][CH3B(C6F5)3]

The reactions of the half-sandwich molybdenum(III) complexes CpMo(η⁴-C₄H₄R₂)(CH₃)₂, where Cp=η⁵-C₅H₅ and R=H or CH₃, with equimolar amounts of B(C₆F₅)₃ have been investigated in toluene. EPR monitoring shows the formation of an addition product which does not readily react with Lewis bases such as ethylene, pyridine, or PMe₃. The analysis of the EPR properties and the X-ray structure of a decomposition product obtained from dichloromethane, [CpMo(η⁴-C₄H₆)(μ-Cl)(μ-CH₂)(O)MoCp][CH₃B(C₆F₅)₃], indicate that the borane attack has occurred at the methyl position.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen Hauptgruppenelementen und Übergangsmetallen : XLIV. Synthesen von Hydrogensulfido- und Hydrogenselenido-Komplexen der Metalle Chrom, Molybdän und Wolfram

Hydrogenchalcogenido complexes of general composition (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M(EH) (R = H, CH₃; M = Cr, Mo, W; E = S, Se) can be obtained by three different routes, sometimes in quite good yields. Thus, the sulfur and selenium derivatives can be synthesized by insertion of the respective elements into the metal-hydrogen bonds of the precursor compounds (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃MH. This species also reacts with potassium selenocyanate to yield the hydrogenselenido derivatives (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M(SeH) which can also be obtained by treatment of the methyl complexes (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M(CH₃ (M = Mo, W) with HBF₄ and Li[SeH]. The corresponding hydrogentellurido compounds are probably formed by these preparative methods but appear to be quickly converted into either the dinuclear tellurium bridge products (μ-Te)[(η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]₂ (M = Mo) or into the hydrido complexes (η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃MH (M= Mo, W) by release of elemental tellurium.     

Syntheses, X-ray structures, and reactions of ruthenium carbonyl complexes containing 1,1-dithiolates

Treatment of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ or [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] with uni-negative 1,1-dithiolate anions via potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, potassium tert-butylthioxanthate, and ammonium O,O′-diethylthiophosphate gives both monomeric and dimeric products of cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)⁻=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (1), Et₂NCS₂⁻ (2), ^tBuSCS₂⁻ (3), (EtO)₂PS₂⁻ (4)) and [Ru(CO)(η²-(Me₂NCS₂))(μ,η²-Me₂NCS₂)]₂ (5). The lightly stabilized MeCN ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ are replaced more readily than the bound acetate ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] by thiolates to produce cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] with less selectivity. Structures 1 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Although the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in 1, the dithiolates are trans to each other in each of the {Ru(CO)(η²-Me₂NCS₂)₂} fragment of 5. The dimeric product 5 can be prepared alternatively from the decarbonylation reaction of 1 with a suitable amount of Me₃NO in MeCN. However, the dimer [Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)(μ,η²-Et₂NCS₂)]₂ (6), prepared from the reaction of 2 with Me₃NO, has a structure different from 5. The spectral data of 6 probably indicate that the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in one {Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)₂}fragment but trans in the other. Both 5 and 6 react readily at ambient temperature with benzyl isocyanide to yield cis-[Ru(CO)(CNCH₂Ph)(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (7) and Et₂NCS₂⁻ (8)). A dimerization pathway for cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] via decabonylation and isomerization is proposed.     

The chemistry of compounds of the type Ru(η---C5Me4Et)(CO)2X (X=Cl, Br or I)

The title compounds react with unidentate ligands, L, containing either phosphorus or arsenic donor atoms to yield the corresponding compounds of the type Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)LX; with didentate phosphorus donor ligands the major species formed is the bridged complex {Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)X}₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh ₂} n = 1, X = Br; n = 2, X = Cl). In contrast, unidentate ligands containing nitrogen donor atoms such as pyridine did not react with Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂Cl although reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline or diethylenetriamine yielded the ionic products [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)L]⁺Cl⁻ (L = phen or (NH₂CH₂CH₂)₂NH). Reaction of Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂Br with AgOAc yielded the corresponding acetato complex Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂0Ac. Ru(η⁵--- C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂X reacts with AgY (Y = BF₄ or PF₆) in either acetone or dichloromethane to give the useful solvent intermediates [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂(solvent)]⁺Y⁻, which readily react with ligands L to yield ionic derivatives of the type [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂L]⁺Y⁻ (where L = CO, NCMe, py, C₂H₄ or MeO₂CCCCO₂Me).     

Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of [Co(η-CO3)(NH3)4](NO3)·0.5H2O and [(NH3)3Co(μ-OH)2(μ-CO3)Co(NH3)3][NO3]2·H2O

[Co(η²-CO₃)(NH₃)₄](NO₃)·0.5H₂O and [(NH₃)₃Co(μ-OH)₂(μ-CO₃)Co(NH₃)₃][NO₃]₂·H₂O were prepared by prolonged aerial oxidation of a solution of Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and ammonium carbonate in aqueous ammonia. The formation of these side products highlights the richness of the chemistry of these systems and the possibility of by products if methods are not strictly adhered to. The X-ray crystal structures of [Co(η²-CO₃)(NH₃)₄][NO₃]·0.5H₂O and [(NH₃)₃Co(μ-OH)₂(μ-CO₃)Co(NH₃)₃][NO₃]₂·H₂O reveal a monomeric octahedral cobalt center with η²-bound CO₃²⁻ in the former, while the latter consists of a dimeric array where the two cobalt centers are bridged by two OH⁻ and one μ₂-CO₃²⁻ groups with three terminal NH₃ ligands for each Co center. In both complexes extensive hydrogen bonding interactions are evident.     

Gezielte Synthese von Kohlenwasserstoff-verbrückten Komplexen. Nucleophile addition von Pentacarbonylrhenat und -manganat an π-gebundene Dien-, Cyclodien-, Trimethylenmethan-, Cycloheptatrienyl- und Alkin-Liganden

Pentacarbonyl-rhenate and -manganate react with the cationic complexes [cpMo(CO)₂(diene)]⁺, [cpMo(CO)₂(cyclopentadiene]⁺, [cpMo(CO)₂(cyclohexadiene)]⁺, [cpMo(CO)₂(trimethylenemethane]⁺, [(OC)₃Mo(η⁷-C₇H₇)]⁺, [cp(OC)-(Ph₃P)Mo(alkyne)]⁺ to give the corresponding heteronuclear hydrocarbon-bridged complexes.     

Darstellung von metallkomplexen des thio- und selenoacetaldehyds sowie die kristallstruktur von C5H5Rh(η-CH3CHSe)P(i-Pr)3

The compounds C₅H₅Co(η²-CH₃CHS)PMe₃ (I) and C₅H₅Co(η²-CH₃CHSe)PMe₃ (II) are prepared from C₅H₅Co(CO)PMe₃, CH₃CHBr₂ and NaSH or NaSeH, respectively. The synthesis of the corresponding rhodium complexes C₅H₅Rh(η²-CH₃CHS)P(i-Pr)₃ (VI) and C₅H₅Rh(η²-CH₃CHSe)P(i-Pr)₃ (VII) has been achieved through hydrogenation of C₅H₅Rh(η²-EC=CH₂)P(i-Pr)₃ (E = S, Se), using RhCl(PPh₃)₃ as a catalyst. The crystal structure of VII has been determined.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the novel trimanganese tetrathiolate incomplete cubane: [Mo(η-C5H5)2(H)CO][Mn3(CO)9(μ-SC6H5)4]

An unexpected trimanganese(I) tetrathiolate-bridged complex, [Mn₃(CO)₉(μ-SC₆H₅)₄]⁻, with an incomplete cubane structure, was obtained by thermal reaction of [Mn₂(CO)₁₀] with [Mo(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(SC₆H₅)₂]. The structure, established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, shows the cation, [Mo(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(H)CO]⁺, directed towards the vacant site of the cubane structure. Possible routes by which the anion and the cation could be formed are discussed.     

Attempts at stepwise reduction of the carbon-nitrogen triple bond of a nitrile at two metal centres: study of the reactivity of [(CO)(PPh3)2Re( (μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh3) 2(PhCN)] towards tetrafluoroboric acid and dihydrogen

The reaction of [(CO)PPh₃)₂Re(μ-H)₂(μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)] (2) with HBF₄-Me₂O generates [(CO)PPh₃)₂Re(μ- H)₂(μ,η¹,η²HNCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (3). Monitoring the reaction by NMR spectroscopy shows the intermediate formation of [(CO)(PPh₃)₂ HRe(μ-H)₂(μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (4). Attempted reduction of the imine ligand by a nucleophile (H⁻ or CN⁻) failed, regenerating 2. Under dihydrogen at 50 atm, 3 is slowly transformed into [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (5) with liberation of benzyl amine.     

First examples of η- and η --- η-coordination in triphosphorus analogues of ferrocene. Crystal structure of the iron sandwich complex [Fe(η-C5H5) (η-C2R2P3)W (CO)5] (R = Bu)

Syntheses of the novel sandwich compounds [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₂R₂P₃)] and [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₂R₂P₃)W(CO)₅], (R = Bu^t), are described. The mode of attachment of the [W(CO)₅] fragment in the latter compound has been determined by NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Molybdenum-molybdenum quadruple bonds: An asymmetrically substituted dimer containing a single acetate bridge. Crystal and molecular structure of [Mo2Cl3(μ-OAc)(PMe3)3]·PhMe

[Mo₂(OAc)₄] reacts with three or more equivalents of lithium chloride and PMe₃ in thf to give [Mo₂Cl₃(μ-OAc)(PMe₃)₃]0.75thf (1). The IR spectrum of the complex shows Mo---O and Mo---Cl stretches at 350 and 300 cm⁻¹ respectively and the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra suggest several species are present in solution. [Mo₂Cl₃(μ-OAc)(PMe₃)₃] converts slowly in thf to [Mo₂Cl₄(PMe₃)₄] and [Mo₂(OAc)₄]. The structure of [Mo₂Cl₃(μ-OAc) (PMe₃)₃]0.5C₆H₅Me (2) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Crystals of the toluene solvate are tetragonal with a = 20.726(2), c = 11.776(2) Å, space GROUP = I4cm. The structure was solved by Patterson and Fourier methods and refined to R of 0.035 for the 539 observed data. The molecule contains two metal centres each of which shows 5-fold coordination. The two molybdenum atoms are linked by an acetate bridge and a short Mo---Mo bond of 2.121(3) Å. Remaining coordination sites are occupied on Mo(1) by two Cl and one PMe₃ and on Mo(2) by one Cl and two PMe₃ groups.     

Platination of [3-X-7,8-Ph2-7,8-nido-C2B9H8] (X=Et, F): Synthesis and characterisation of slipped and 1,2→1,7 isomerised products

The reaction of the labelled carborane ligand [3-Et-7,8-Ph₂-7,8-nido-C₂B₉H₈]²⁻ with a source of {Pt(PMe₂Ph)₂}²⁺ affords non-isomerised 1,2-Ph₂-3,3-(PMe₂Ph)₂-6-Et-3,1,2-closo-PtC₂B₉H₈ (1). The analogous reaction between [3-F-7,8-Ph₂-7,8-nido-C₂B₉H₈]²⁻ and {Pt(PMe₂Ph)₂}²⁺ yields 1,8-Ph₂-2,2-(PMe₂Ph)₂-4-F-2,1,8-closo-PtC₂B₉H₈ (3). Compound 1 has a heavily slipped structure (Δ 0.72 Å), which to some degree obviates the need for C atom isomerisation. However, that it is a kinetic product of the reaction is evident from the fact that it reverts to isomerised 1,8-Ph₂-2,2-(PMe₂Ph)₂-4-Et-2,1,8-closo-PtC₂B₉H₈ (2) slowly at room temperature but more rapidly with gentle warming. The heteroatom and labelled-B atom positions in the isomerised compounds 2 and 3 may be explained most simply by the rotation of a CB₂ face of an intermediate based on the structure of 1. Compounds 1–3 were characterised by a combination of spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques.     

Acyl C---O bond cleavage in Cp2TiCOR compounds: formation of benzene derivatives by Cp-ring expansion involving incorporation of the acyl carbon atom (Cp = η-C5Me5)

Reaction of Cp^*₂TiR (R = CH₃, neo-C₅H₁₁) with CO gives labile acyl compounds Cp^*₂TiCOR. The latter react with (CpMo(CO)₃)₂ to yield complexes Cp^*₂Ti(η²-COR)(μ-OC)MoCp(CO)₂, which undergo acyl C---O band scission with concomitant formation of benzene derivatives at room temperature. The benzene derivatives are formed through ring expansion of the Cp^* ligand by incorporation of the R---C fragment of the acyl group. The acyl oxygen is incorporated into a dimeric titanium oxo complex.     

Thermal decomposition study on mixed ligand thymine complexes of divalent nickel(II) with dianions of some dicarboxylic acids

Thermal decomposition of mixed ligand thymine (2,4-dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine) complexes of divalent Ni(II) with aspartate, glutamate and ADA (N-2-acetamido)iminodiacetate dianions was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The decomposition course and steps of complexes [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₄H₅NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O, [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₅H₇NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₆H₈N₂O₅)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O were analyzed. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The kinetic parameters namely, activation energy (E*), enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and free energy change of decomposition (ΔG*) are calculated from the TG curves using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend aspartate > ADA > glutamate.     

Bis(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-and(ηcyclopentadienyl) (η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-platinium dications: Pt(IV) metallocenes

Reaction of [Pt₂(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂(η-Br)₃]³⁺(Br⁻)₃ with C₅R₅H (R = H,Me) in the presence of AgBF₄ gives the first platinocenium dications, [Pt(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(η⁵-C₅R₅)]²⁺(BF₄⁻ )₂. On electrochemical reduction, [pt(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂]²⁺ yields [Pt(η⁴-C₅Me₅H)(η²-C₅Me₅)]+ BF₄⁻. kw]Cyclopentadienyl; Metallocenes; Platinum; Electrochemistry     

Optimised hydrothermal synthesis of multi-dimensional hybrid coordination polymers containing flexible organic ligands

In this paper, we summarise our recent research interest in the hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterisation of multi-dimensional coordination polymers. The use of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (also referred to as H₄pmida) in the literature as a versatile chelating organic ligand is briefly reviewed. This molecule plays an important role in the formation of centrosymmetric dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units, which were first used by us as building blocks to construct novel coordination polymers. Starting with [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ in solution, we have isolated [M₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(H₂O)₁₀] species (where M²⁺ = Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cd²⁺) via the hydrothermal synthetic approach, which were then employed for the construction of [CdVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5·(H₂O), [CoVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5, [Co(H₂O)₆][CoV₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]·2(H₂O) and [Cd₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)₂(H₂O)₄]·4(H₂O) by the inclusion of bridging organic ligands in the reactive mixtures, such as pyrazine (pyr) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy). These materials can contain channel systems, and exhibit magnetic behaviour, not only due to the V⁴⁺ centres but also to the transition metal centres which establish the links between neighbouring dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units. A closely related anionic moiety, [Ge₂(pmida)₂(OH)₂]²⁻, was engineered to allow the study of such crystalline hybrid materials using one- and two-dimensional high-resolution solid-state NMR.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen Hauptgruppenelementen und Übergangsmetallen : XLV. Eigenschaften und Reaktionsverhalten von Hydrogenchalkogenid-Komplexen der Metalle Chrom, Molybdän und Wolfram

Hydrogensulfido and hydrogenselenido complexes of general composition (η⁵-C₅R₅(CO)3M(EH) (R = H, CH₃; M = Cr, Mo, W; E = S, Se) react at the EH functions by deprotonation, bimolecular elimination of H₂E, or by loss of the chalcogen atoms E. Reactions with Lewis-acidic complex cations such as [((η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]⁺ (R = H, CH₃; M = Mo, W) are useful for the synthesis of chalcogen bridged compounds (μ-E)[(η⁵-C₅R₅)(CO)₃M]₂. The heterodinuclear chalcogen bridge complexes thus generated form metathesis equilibria with their corresponding homodinuclear systems.