Molybdenum hexacarbonyl

Mo(CO)6 adopts an octahedral geometry consisting of six rod-like CO ligands radiating from the central Mo atom. A recurring minor debate in some chemical circles concerns the definition of an "organometallic" compound. Usually, organometallic indicates the presence of a metal directly bonded via a M–C bond to an organic fragment, which must in turn have a C–H bond. Like many metal carbonyls, Mo(CO)6 is generally prepared by "reductive carbonylation", which involves reduction of a metal halide with under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide. As described in a 2023 survey of methods "most cost-effective routes for the synthesis of group 6 hexacarbonyls are based on the reduction of the metal chlorides (CrCl3, MoCl5 or WCl6) with magnesium, zinc or aluminium powders... under CO pressures". ==Occurrence==

Mo(CO)6 has been detected in landfills and sewage plants, the reducing, anaerobic environment being conducive to formation of Mo(CO)6. ==Inorganic and organometallic derivatives==

Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is a popular reagent in research. One or more CO ligands can be displaced by other ligands. Examples: : (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) : (thf = tetrahydrofuran), this reaction requires UV radiation (pip = piperidine) (MeCN = acetonitrile) Some of these species are suited for substitution. For instance, the reaction of [Mo(CO)4(piperidine)2] with triphenyl phosphine gives cis- and trans-[Mo(CO)4(PPh3)2]. [Mo(CO)3(MeCN)3 serves as a source of "Mo(CO)3". For instance treatment with allyl chloride gives [MoCl(allyl)(CO)2(MeCN)2], whereas treatment with KTp and sodium cyclopentadienide gives [MoTp(CO)3]− and [MoCp(CO)3]− anions, respectively. These anions react with a variety of electrophiles. A related source of Mo(CO)3 is cycloheptatrienemolybdenum tricarbonyl. Organic synthesis Mo(CO)6, [Mo(CO)3(MeCN)3], and related derivatives are employed as catalysts or reagents in organic synthesis for example, alkyne metathesis and the Pauson–Khand reaction. The hexacarbonyl can serve as a source of CO. Source of Mo atoms Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is widely used in electron beam-induced deposition technique - it is easily vaporized and decomposed by the electron beam providing a convenient source of molybdenum atoms. ==Safety and handling==

Like all metal carbonyls, Mo(CO)6 is a dangerous source of volatile metal as well as CO. ==References==