Synthesis and structure of {η3-MeSi(CH2SPh)3}Cr(CO)3: how long can a Cr(0)–S(thioether) bond length be?

The new tridentate thioether ligand MeSi(CH2SPh)3 has been prepared in good yield and its first transition metal derivative, the octahedral chromium tricarbonyl complex {η3-MeSi(CH2SPh)3}Cr(CO)3, has been synthesized and fully characterized. In agreement with the reduced basicity of arylthioethers and the expected lability of their metal complexes, the new complex exhibits the longest Cr(0)–S(thioether) bond distances observed to date.