Oxo/sulfidotungstate(VI) as precursors to W(VI)O2, W(VI)OS, and W(VI)S2 complexes and W(IV)-dithiolene chelate rings

Synthetic models leading to oxosulfidotungsten(VI) groups and dithiolene chelate rings have been investigated. The heterogeneous reaction systems WO4-nSn]2-/2Ph3SiCl/Me4phen (n = 0-2) in acetonitrile afford the complexes WQ2(OSiPh3)2(Me4phen)] (1-3) in the indicated yields containing the groups W(VI)O2 (1; 86%), W(VI)O2 (2; 45%), and W(VI)S2 (3; 83%). In the crystalline state these complexes have imposed C2 symmetry, with cis-oxo/sulfido and trans-silyloxide ligands. 1H NMR spectra indicate that this stereochemistry is retained in solution. The colors of 2 (yellow, 367 nm) and 3 (orange, 451 nm) arise from LMCT absorptions at the indicated wavelengths. These results demonstrate that the silylation procedure previously introduced for the preparation of molecules with the Mo(VI)OS group (Thapper, et al. Inorg. Chem. 1999, 38, 4104) extends to tungsten. Methods for the formation of dithiolene chelate rings MS2C2R2 in reactions with sulfide-bound M = Mo or W precursors are summarized. In a known reaction type, 3 and activated acetylenes rapidly form W(IV)(OSiPh3)2(Me4phen)(S2C2R2)] (R = CO2Me, 4, 83%, and Ph, 5, 98%). In a new reaction type not requiring the isolation of an intermediate, the systems MO2S2]2-/2Ph3SiCl/Me4phen/PhC=CPh in acetonitrile afford 5 (68%) and Mo(IV)(OSiPh3)2(Me4phen)(S2C2Ph2)] (6; 61%). Complexes 5 and 6 are isostructural, maintain the trans-silyloxide stereochemistry, and exhibit chelate ring dimensions indicative of ene- 1,2-dithiolate coordination. Reductions in the -1.4 to -1.7 V range are described as metal-centered. It remains to be seen whether the oxo/sulfidotungsten(VI) groups in 1-3 eventuate in the active sites of tungstoenzymes. (Me4phen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline.)