Synthesis of novel transition metal-group 15 cage compounds and their use as molecular precursors for binary and ternary transition metal pnictides

The reaction of [{W(CO)(5)}(2)PCl] with K[Co(CO)(4)] yields the novel compo unds [W(CO)(4)(eta (4)-< Co(CO)(3)P{W(CO)(5)}> (2))] (1) and [{(CO)(4)WCo3( CO)(6)}(mu (3)-P{W(CO)(5)})] (2) along with the previously known derivative s [Co-2(CO)(6)(mu,eta (2)-P-2{W(CO)(5)}(2))] (3) and [Co-3(CO)(9)(mu (3)-P{ W(CO)(5)})] (4). Complex [W-2(CO)(8)(mu -CO)(mu,eta (2)-P-2){W(CO)(5)}(2)) (5) was synthesised by reacting Na-2[W-2(CO)(10)] with PBr3. Reaction of K[ Mn(CO)(5)] with SbCl3 affords [Sb{Mn(CO)(5)}(3)] (6) in high yields. Furthe rmore, the thermogravimetric analysis of 1, 4, 5 and 6 is discussed.