Abstract Reduction of MentPBr2M(CO)5 1 (M = Cr, W) with magnesium in THF yields the diphosphene complex (CO)5M(Ment)P=P(Ment)M(CO)5 2 as the main product. In addition, a phosphinidene complex, (CO)5M(Ment)PM(CO)5 (3) is also formed. The latter is obtained in larger amounts, if the reaction is carried out in the presence of M(CO)5THF. The proposed structures are confirmed by NMR and UV data as well as - in the case of the chromium compounds (2a, 3a) - by crystal structure analysis. Compound 2a is obtained only as the frans-isomer. The P-P distance in 2a (204.0 pm) indicates a double bond which does not participate in the complex formation. The P-Cr distance in 3a (average: 230.3 pm) is within the low est range found for this element combination. Reaction of 2a with LiAlH4 yields the diphosphane complex (CO)5CrMent(H)P-P(H)MentCr(CO)5 4 as a mixture of “meso” and “rac” diastereomers.
