Different transformation pathways in the photolysis of [Cp*P{W(CO)(5)}(2)]

Photolysis of [Cp*P{W(CO)(5)}(2)] (1) leads to the novel complex [{Cp*(CO)( 6)W-2}(mu -H)(mu-eta (1):eta (1):eta (1)-P-2){W(CO)(5)}(2)] (4), which was structurally and spectroscopically characterised. The product is formed by a Cp* migration within 1 to give the phosphido complex intermediate [Cp* (C O)(2)W dropP -->W(CO)(5)], as well as by a Cp* elimination to form an inter mediate of the type The product [P{W(CO)(5)}(2)], both of which dimerise to yield product 4.