The thermal degradation of μ-Diphenylacetylene-bis(tricarbonylcobalt)

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of Co₂(CO)₆(PhC₂Ph) has been investigated in detail. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the most suitable temperature range for the study. At 180°, Co₂(CO)₆(PhC₂Ph) decomposes to form cobalt, carbon monoxide, tetraphenylcyclopentadienone, hexaphenylbenzene, and other organic compounds. Variation in the temperature, the time, and the solvent used for the degradation reaction causes significant changes in the yields of the organic products. An investigation of the effects of adding stoichiometric amounts of free alkyne, tetra-phenylcyclopentadienone, and hexaphenylbenzene has been initiated in an attempt to understand the degradation mechanism.