Tungsten hexacarbonyl, also known as hexacarbonyl tungsten or tungsten carbonyl, is a crystalline, white powder with the chemical formula W(CO)₆ and a molecular weight of 351.9 g/mol. This high-purity substance, which has a purity of more than 99% due to the purification of KIMW-F, plays an important role in numerous chemical applications, particularly in organometallic chemistry and catalysis.
Hexacarbonyl tungsten is often used as a precursor compound for tungsten in the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of thin films, which are important for semiconductor manufacturing and other cutting-edge technologies. The tungsten layers obtained by CVD are characterised by their excellent conductivity, which makes them important components in microelectronics and other advanced material technologies.
The powder is stable under normal conditions, but should be stored in well-sealed containers to avoid accidental reaction and to prevent contamination. Tungsten hexacarbonyl is solid at room temperature and relatively insensitive to moisture, so it can be easily handled in dry environments.
In industry, tungsten carbonyl is often used as a catalyst or as a starting material for the production of other tungsten-containing compounds. The substance decomposes under certain conditions, releasing carbon monoxide in a controlled manner, which enables it to be used in the production of thin films or as a catalyst in various organic reactions.
Although tungsten hexacarbonyl is not extremely reactive, it should be handled with care due to the potential hazards associated with carbonyl compounds. It is recommended to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and goggles when handling this compound to avoid direct contact or inhalation of dust.
To summarise, tungsten hexacarbonyl is a highly pure and versatile compound that plays an important role in thin film deposition and catalysis. Its stability and versatility make it a valuable material for numerous industrial applications, although the usual safety precautions should be observed during handling and storage.
Tungsten hexacarbonyl can be easily decomposed by electron beam evaporation and is an excellent source of tungsten atoms. This property is particularly useful in electron beam-induced deposition processes. In addition, tungsten hexacarbonyl is also used as a precursor for catalysts in alkene metathesis and the desulphurisation of sulphur-containing organic compounds. The material is relatively stable in air and slightly soluble in non-polar organic solvents. In chemical reactions with W(CO)₆, some CO ligands are often detached, forming stable and kinetically more resistant compounds.
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