THE TUNGSTEN-TUNGSTEN TRIPLE BOND .20. SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIONOF CYCLOOCTATETRAENYLTETRAKIS (DIMETHYLAMIDO) DITUNGSTEN

The reaction between Li2COT, where COT = c-C8H8, and W2Cl2(NMe(2))(4) yields W-2(mu-eta(5),eta(5)-C8H8)(NMe(2))(4), which has been character ized in the solid-state and in solution. The solid-state structure is described as being derived from a C8H84- anion coordinated to a W-2(8) template, and this is supported by a Fenske-Hall molecular orbital c alculation. In solution the molecule is fluxional as the tub-shaped C8 H8 ring moves about the W-2 center and interconverts with another isom er.