Synthesis of the hexaphenoxotungstate(V) ion; The x-ray crystal structures of the tetraethylammonium and lithium salts

The interaction of metallic lithium, sodium and potassium with tungsten(VI) hexaphenoxide in tetrahydrofuran leads to salts of the hexaphenoxotungstate(V) ion, [W(OPh)₆]⁻. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the salts in frozen tetrahydrofuran suggests that for the Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ salts there are ion pairs with interaction between the cation and the oxygen atom of the phenoxo groups.

X-ray diffraction study of the tetraethylammonium salt confirms the octahedral nature of the [W(OPh)₆]⁻ ion; for the lithium salt coordination of the oxygen atom of two phenoxo groups to Li⁺ occurs.