Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of the novel cationic alkyne complexes [WI(CO)(NCMe)L2(η-RC2R)][BF4] (L = PEt3 or PMe2Ph; R = Me or Ph)

The complexes [WI₂(CO)L₂(η²-RC₂R)] (L = PEt₃ or PMe₂Ph; R = Me or Ph) react with an equimolar quantity of Ag[BF₄] in acetonitrile at room temperature to give good yields of the new purple cationic alkyne complexes [WI(CO)(NCMe)L₂(η²-RC₂R)][BF₄]. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy indicates that the phosphines are trans to each other in these compounds. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy suggests that the alkyne ligands are donating four electrons to the tungsten in these complexes.