Composition and Structure of [WCl4{N(Et)C(O)}3Cl]: MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometric Study

The product of introduction of three ethyl isocyanate molecules at the tungsten-chlorine bond, namely, [WCl4{N(Et)C(O)}3Cl], was synthesized via thermolysis of tungsten hexachloride with a threefold excess of ethyl isocyanate in dichloroethane and studied by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry method. In addition to the peak of the molecular ion WCl4{N(Et)C(O)}3Cl]- at 573.9 m/z, the mass spectrum of the complex exhibited the maxima at 342.0, 231.0, and 801.0 m/z assigned to [WOCl4]-, [{N(Et)C(O)}3 · H2O]+, and [WOCl4{N(Et)C(O)}6Cl]-, respectively. These three ions can only form in the hydrolysis of the complex containing a chain ligand.