Lithiation of η6-fluorobenzenetricarbonylchromium(0) and reaction with dialkyl disulfides: synthesis of η6-1,2-bis- and 1,2,3-tris-alkylsulfanylbenzenetricarbonylchromium(0) complexes

Directed lithiation of η6-fluorobenzenetricarbonylchromium(0) and reaction with dialkyl disulfides affords η6-1,2-bis-alkylsulfanylbenzenetricarbonylchromium(0) complexes by electrophilic addition of an alkylthio group at C-2 of the benzene ring, and subsequent SNAr reaction with displacement of fluoride by the alkanethiolate generated in the first step. 1,2,3-tris-Alkylsulfanylbenzene complexes are formed as by-products. The structures of four of the new complexes have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography, one using synchrotron radiation.