The interaction of 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide (xylNC) with Cr(Nmes)(
2)(SC6F5)(2) in refluxing toluene gives mer-Cr(SC6F5)(3)(xylNC)(3) 1 a
nd minor amounts of trans-Cr(SC6F5)(2)(xylNC)(4) 2. Compound 2 is best
made by interaction of either Cr(mes)(2)(THF)(3) or CrCl2 with C6F5SH
or C6F5SNa, respectively, in the presence of xylNC. The X-ray crystal
structures of 1 and 2 have been determined. The similar imido thiolat
es of molybdenum(VI) are inert towards xylNC. (C) 1997 Published by El
sevier Science Ltd.