WMe6 tamed by silica: ≡Si-O-WMe5 as an efficient, well-defined species for alkane metathesis, leading to the observation of a supported W-methyl/methylidyne species.

The synthesis and full characterization of a well-defined silica-supported ≡Si-O-W(Me)5 species is reported. Under an inert atmosphere, it is a stable material at moderate temperature, whereas the homoleptic parent complex decomposes above -20 °C, demonstrating the stabilizing effect of immobilization of the molecular complex. Above 70 °C the grafted complex converts into the two methylidyne surface complexes [(≡SiO-)W(≡CH)Me2] and [(≡SiO-)2W(≡CH)Me]. All of these silica-supported complexes are active precursors for propane metathesis reactions.