Mechanisms and intermediates in the photochemistry of M2(CO)6(η5-C5H5)2, where M = Cr, Mo and W, and their ring-coupled analogs

The structure, bonding, and photochemistry of the Group VI cyclopentadienyl metal carbonyl compounds of the general form (eta (5)-C5H5)(2)M-2(CO)(6), where M = Cr, Mo, and W, and their ring-substituted and ring-coupled derivatives is critically reviewed. The emphasis of this review is to bring together evidence for reaction intermediates and mechanisms to assist in the interpretation of the chemistry of these materials and to guide future investigations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.