Molybdenum hexacarbonyl
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Through Ligand, Metal carbonyl and Carbon monoxide
Structure and properties
Mo(CO)6 adopts an octahedral geometry consisting of six rod-like CO ligands radiating from the central Mo atom. A recurring minor debate in some chemical circles concerns the definition of an "organometallic" compound. Usually, organometallic indicates the presence of a metal directly bonded via a M–C bond to an organic fragment, which must in turn have a C–H bond.
Like many metal carbonyls, Mo(CO)6 is generally prepared by "reductive carbonylation", which involves reduction of a metal halide with under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide. As described in a 2023 survey of methods "most cost-effective routes for the synthesis of group 6 hexacarbonyls are based on the reduction of the metal chlorides (CrCl3, MoCl5 or WCl6) with magnesium, zinc or aluminium powders... under CO pressures".
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Occurrence
Mo(CO)6 has been detected in landfills and sewage plants, the reducing, anaerobic environment being conducive to formation of Mo(CO)6.
Inorganic and organometallic research
Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is a popular reagent in academic research.
One or more CO ligands can be displaced by other ligands. Mo(CO)6, [Mo(CO)3(MeCN)3], and related derivatives are employed as catalysts in organic synthesis for example, alkyne metathesis and the Pauson–Khand reaction.
Mo(CO)6 reacts with 2,2′-bipyridine to afford Mo(CO)4(bipy). UV-photolysis of a THF solution of Mo(CO)6 gives Mo(CO)5(THF).
[Mo(CO)4(piperidine)2]
The thermal reaction of Mo(CO)6 with piperidine affords Mo(CO)4(piperidine)2. The two piperidine ligands in this yellow-colored compound are labile, which allows other ligands to be introduced under mild conditions. For instance, the reaction of [Mo(CO)4(piperidine)2] with triphenyl phosphine in boiling dichloromethane (b.p. ca. 40 °C) gives cis-[Mo(CO)4(PPh3)2]. This cis- complex isomerizes in toluene to trans-[Mo(CO)4(PPh3)2].
[Mo(CO)3(MeCN)3]
Mo(CO)6 also can be converted to its tris(acetonitrile) derivative. The compound serves as a source of "Mo(CO)3". For instance treatment with allyl chloride gives [MoCl(allyl)(CO)2(MeCN)2], whereas treatment with KTp and sodium cyclopentadienide gives [MoTp(CO)3]− and [MoCp(CO)3]− anions, respectively. These anions react with a variety of electrophiles. A related source of Mo(CO)3 is cycloheptatrienemolybdenum tricarbonyl.
Source of Mo atoms
Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is widely used in electron beam-induced deposition technique - it is easily vaporized and decomposed by the electron beam providing a convenient source of molybdenum atoms.
Safety and handling
Like all metal carbonyls, Mo(CO)6 is a dangerous source of volatile metal as well as CO.