The preparation of Cs₃Mo(CN)₈·2H₂O and Cs₃W(CN)₈·2H₂O

Abstract

Abstract [HN(n‐C 4 H 9 ) 3 ] 3 M(CN) 8 4 H 2 O, where M = Mo or W, is formed as a light yellow or white water insoluble precipitate by adding tri‐n‐butylammonium ions to M(CN) , obtained by oxidation of K 4 Mo(CN) 8 · 2H 2 O or K 4 W(CN) 8 ·2H 2 O with concentrated nitric acid. The precipitates are soluble in methyl and ethyl alcohol, benzene and acetonitrile. Crystal data were determined for crystals of the W v compound. The tri‐n‐butylammonium compound can be nearly quantitatively converted to Cs 3 M(CN) 8 · 2H 2 O with CsCl, which is fairly soluble in methyl alcohol. Crystal data were determined for light yellow crystals obtained by recrystallization. The potassium complex of W v can be prepared by using potassium acetate instead of CsCl.