Tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten
[CAS# 12129-69-0]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic compound >> Organic scandium, tantalum, thallium, tungsten, antimony, lanthanum, lead, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, ytterbium, etc.
• Name: Tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten
• Synonyms: Tricarbonyl(1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)tungsten
• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₁₂O₃W
• Molecular Weight: 388.08
• CAS Registry Number: 12129-69-0
• EC Number: 235-206-1
• SMILES: CC1=CC(=CC(=C1)C)C.[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[W]

Properties

• Boiling Point: 166.7±0.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 44.4±0.0 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H312-H315-H319-H332-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P317-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten, with the chemical formula W(C₆H₂(CH₃)₃)(CO)₃, is a prominent organometallic compound recognized for its unique structure and versatile applications. This compound plays a significant role in the field of organometallic chemistry and catalysis.

The synthesis of tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten was achieved in the mid-20th century during the exploration of transition metal carbonyl complexes. Researchers investigating the chemistry of tungsten and its carbonyl derivatives discovered that tungsten could form stable complexes with carbon monoxide and aromatic ligands such as mesitylene. The synthesis typically involves the reaction of tungsten hexacarbonyl with mesitylene (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene) under controlled conditions. This discovery added valuable knowledge to the understanding of tungsten-organic interactions and expanded the scope of organometallic chemistry.

One of the primary applications of tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten is in catalysis. The compound serves as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, particularly in the field of organic synthesis. Its ability to stabilize reactive intermediates and facilitate reactions involving carbon monoxide makes it valuable in processes such as carbonylation and olefin metathesis. In carbonylation reactions, tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten aids in the introduction of carbonyl groups into organic molecules, which is essential for the production of various chemicals and intermediates used in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

In olefin metathesis, tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten plays a role as a catalyst in the exchange of alkyl groups between olefins, leading to the formation of new olefins. This reaction is important for the synthesis of a variety of chemicals and polymers. The compound’s effectiveness in these reactions is attributed to its ability to form stable intermediates and control reaction pathways, enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of the processes.

The compound also contributes to the study of metal-ligand interactions and bonding. Tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten serves as a model system for investigating the electronic and geometric effects of transition metal complexes with aromatic ligands and carbon monoxide. Its well-defined structure provides insights into the nature of metal-arene interactions and the role of ligands in influencing the properties of transition metal complexes.

In materials science, tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten is used as a precursor for the synthesis of tungsten-containing materials with specific properties. For example, it can be employed in the preparation of tungsten-based thin films and nanoparticles. These materials have potential applications in electronics, magnetic devices, and other advanced technologies, benefiting from the unique properties of tungsten and its carbonyl complexes.

Handling tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten requires caution due to the toxicity of carbon monoxide. The compound should be used in well-ventilated areas with appropriate safety measures to avoid exposure to toxic fumes. Proper storage and handling procedures are essential to ensure safe use in laboratory and industrial environments.

Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and optimize the properties of tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten. Advances in organometallic chemistry and materials science are leading to the development of novel catalysts and materials based on this compound, with potential implications for various industrial and technological applications.

In summary, tricarbonyl(mesitylene)tungsten is a significant organometallic compound with important applications in catalysis, materials science, and the study of metal-ligand interactions. Its discovery and development have contributed to the field of chemistry, and continued research promises to reveal further opportunities for its use in advanced technologies.

References

1973. Reaction of phenyl derivatives of metal carbonyls of molybdenum and tungsten with triphenylphosphine and triphenyl phosphite. Bulletin of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Division of chemical science.
DOI: 10.1007/bf00854114

2008. C12H12O3W. NMR Data for Carbon-13.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-74189-3_1599

2018. A versatile method for the encapsulation of various non-precious metal nanoparticles inside single-walled carbon nanotubes. Nano Research.
DOI: 10.1007/s12274-018-1975-2