Synthesis and X-ray structure of two isomeric aminocarbene complexes of tungsten containing a free carbon-carbon double bond

The reaction of allylamine with (CO)₅WC(OCH₂CH₃)CH₃ gives two isomeric aminocarbene complexes (CO)₅WC(NHCH₂CHCH₂)CH₃ 2E and 2Z. Refluxing of a solution of this mixture in benzene gives the complexes (CO)₄WC(η²NHCH₂CHCH₂)CH₂ (3) and 2E, which have been separated. 2E was fully characterized by X-ray diffraction. Crystals of 2E are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with Z = 4, a 7.188(3), b 14.312(2), c 12.530(2) Å and β 91.06(3)°.The same mixture when treated with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) followed by allyl bromide gives a mixture of (CO)₅WC(N(CH₂CHCH₂)₂)CH₃ (4) and 2Z. These complexes were separated, and 2Z fully characterized by X-ray diffraction. Crystals of 2Z are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, with Z = 4, a 6.593(5), b 14.584(3), c 13.323(1) Å and β 95.13(4)°.