The Mixed Valence Tungsten(IV,V) Compound Na[W2O2Br6]

The reaction of W₆Br₁₂, NaBr, and WO₂Br₂ in the presence of Br₂ in a sealed silica tube yields NaW₂O₂Br₆] together with WOBr₄ and WO₂Br₂ in the low temperature zone (temperature gradient 1030/870 K). NaW₂O₂Br₆] crystallizes orthorhombically in the space group Immm (no. 71) with a = 3.775 Å, b = 10.400 Å, c = 13.005 Å and Z = 2. Pairs of condensed trans-WO₂Br₄] octahedra with a common Br₂ edge form along 100] double chains W₂O_4/2Br₆]^1– via the oxygen atoms. The mixed valent tungsten atoms are bonded to W₂ pairs with a 2 c–3 e bond (d(W–W) = 2.946 Å, d(W–O) = 1.888 Å, d(W–Br^b) = 2.537 Å, d(W–Br^t) = 2.535 Å, ∢O–W–O = 177.4°, ∢Br^b–W–Br^b (endocyclic) = 109.0°). The Na⁺ cations connect the anionic double chains to form two-dimensional layers parallel (001), which interact by van der Waals forces. The cations are eightfold coordinated by a cube of the terminal Br^t ligands of the polymeric anions (d(Na–Br) = 3.138 Å). NaW₂O₂Br₆] may be discussed as an intercalation compound of the oxide bromide WOBr₃.