Infrared spectra and density functional calculations of the M←NCCCH3, η2–M(NC)–CH3, CH3–MNC, CH2M(H)NC, and CHM(H)2NC complexes produced by reactions of Group 6 metal atoms with acetonitrile

The M←NCCH3, η2–M(NC)–CH3, CH3–MNC, CH2M(H)NC, and HCM(H)2NC complexes are produced by reactions of laser-ablated Group 6 metal atoms with acetonitrile and identified from the matrix IR spectra through isotopic substitution and comparison to frequencies calculated by density functional theory in the harmonic approximation (B3LYP/6-311++(3df,3pd) and BPW91/6-311++G(3df,3pd), this all-electron set for Cr, and SDD for Mo and W). Good general agreement is shown in tables for all observed frequencies and these calculations. The products follow the reaction path proposed earlier for Group 4 and 5 metal reactions, which are supported by density functional energy calculations. The M←NCCH3 complex strengthens the assumption that the lone electron pair on the N-end first attracts the metal atom. The π-complexes show that the back-donation of the Group 6 metal is weaker than those of Zr and Group 5 metals. The observed products clearly show the increasing preference for the higher oxidation-state complex with increasing atomic number of the Group 6 metal, and subsequent photolysis increases the yields for the higher oxidation-state complexes. The methylidyne isocyanide HCW(H)2NC has a Cs structure similar to the HCW(H)2X complexes prepared earlier.

Graphical abstractThe primary products from reactions of laser-ablated Cr, Mo, and W atoms with acetonitrile. The increasing preference for the higher oxidation-state product is evident with increasing atomic number.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Laser ablation of Group 6 metals provides atoms for reactions with small molecules. ► η2–M(NC)–CH3, CH3–MNC, CH2M(H)NC, and HCM(H)2NC are produced with acetonitrile. ► Matrix infrared spectra and DFT calculations provide vibrational frequencies. ► DFT structures and relative energies for reaction products of Group 6 metal atoms.