Two W/Mo complexes containing 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene: synthesis and structure analysis

Abstract

Two W/Mo complexes, [Et₃NH]₂[WO₂(C₁₀H₆O₂)₂] (1) and [Et₃NH]₂[MoO₂(C₁₀H₆O₂)₂] (2), were synthesized by the reaction of Na₂WO₄ · 2H₂O and (NH₄)₂Mo₂O₇ · 4H₂O with 2,3-DHN (DHN = dihydroxynaphthalene) and triethylamine, and characterized by X-ray diffraction and IR. The two complexes exhibit chiral octahedral geometry at central metals, although the overall structure is racemic. Single crystals of 1 are more difficult to obtain than for 2. The molybdenum complex can be easily isolated at room temperature (around 25°C), while the tungsten one needs to be isolated under 15°C, otherwise, the quality of crystal will be poor, leading to disorder. The structures of these two complexes are chiral and enantiomorphous to each other.

Keywords:

• Tungsten complex
• Molybdenum complex
• 2,3-Dihydroxynaphthalene
• Triethylamine
• Chiral
• Enantiomorphous

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Science Council of People's Republic of China (grant no. 20871085) and the National Science Foundation of Beijing (grant no. 2092009).