One-dimensional arrangements of metal atoms in transition metal carbonyl complexes of mixed main group metal alkoxides

Mixed metal alkoxides containing main group elements with ns2 electron configurations of the general formula M(OtBu)3M′ (M = In, Tl; M′ = Ge, Sn, Pb), M′(OtBu)3M(OtBu)3M′ (M = divalent metal atom, M′ = Ge, Sn) and (OtBu)M′(OtBu)2M(OtBu)2M′(OtBu) (M = Co, Ni; M′ = Ge, Sn) can be reacted with simple metal carbonyls. The products obtained are composed of a one-dimensional array of metal atoms held together by direct metal-metal bonds or by bridging alkoxide groups. The following compounds have been isolated and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (M′ = Ge, Sn, Pb; M = In, Tl; MT = transition metal): M′(OtBu)3M−MT(CO)n, (CO)nMT−M(OtBu)3M′−MT(CO)n, M′(OtBu)3M−MT(CO)nM(OtBu)3M′, (CO)nMT−M′(OtBu)3M(OtBu)3M′−MT(CO)n, (CO)nMT−M′[OtBu](OtBu)2M(OtBu)2M(OtBu)2[OtBu]M′−MT(CO)n and (CO)nMT−M′(OtBu)3M−MT(CO)nM(OtBu)3M′−MT(CO)n. In addition, an oligomeric species of the general formula [Sn(OtBu)3In−Mo(CO)4]n−Sn(OtBu)3In−Mo(CO)5 with n ≈ 9, 10 has been isolated.