Dinuclear Molybdenum(III) and Tungsten(III) Calix[4]arene Complexes − Metal-Metal Triple Bonds Supported by Bridging Calix[4]arene Ligands

Addition of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene LH4 to the dinuclear compounds M2(NMe2)6 (M = Mo, W) results in the formation of [NH2Me2]2[L2M2] 1 (M = Mo) and 2 (M = W). Both compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The metal−metal distances of 1 and 2, of 2.194(1) Å and 2.293(1) Å, respectively, are consistent with the retention of the M≡M triple bond. Both „ate” complexes contain a [M≡M]6+ dimetal core, supported by two bridging μ2-κ2O,κ2O-calix[4]arene ligands in the solid state. These compounds are the first examples of a formally fourfold deprotonated calix[4]arene acting as a μ2-κ2O,κ2O bridging ligand for two transition metal centres. The calix[4]arenes in 1 and 2 are distorted from a cone conformation in the uncomplexed ligand, to an elliptical cone section. 1H-NMR data at variable temperatures suggest fluxional behaviour of 1 and 2 in solution.