Solvents for Non-Polar Organometal

[Eigenvalue]

I have a crystalline organometallic material that is mostly non-polar (cobalt carbonyl). I have been trying to find a suitable solvent for it.

 

So far I used Hexane which reached a solubility of ~10 mg of solute per mL, and Methanol which had a slightly lower solubility. I am aiming to get the solubility up to about 25 mg of solute per mL.

 

Any suggestions for possible solvents or mixture of solvents will be appreciated.

[YT2095]

try DMSO.

[DrP]

IPA, Acetone or THF?

[CaptainPanic]

Umm... we have a small molecule that does not dissolve very well in hexane. Does that still qualify it as non-polar?

 

I also wanted to add that there are a number of "types" (lack of better word) of cobalt carbonyl. There is Co(CO)4, Co2(CO)8 and some others (not sure about this one, but if my memory is as good as I hope, then Co4(CO)12 also exists).

[nitric]

try DMSO as well as cyclohexane, or actone. Im not good in organ. chem. but if its stable in water try that. Waters a very good solvent.

[hermanntrude]

like dissolves like. try solvents with carbonyl groups in them. Acetone jumps to mind but there are others

[CaptainPanic]

like dissolves like. try solvents with carbonyl groups in them. Acetone jumps to mind but there are others

 

MIBK, methyl isobutyl ketone perhaps. Quite a standard solvent too.

[hermanntrude]

supercritical CO2? if you have the hardware

[Tartaglia]

I would be careful with potentially coordinating solvents, the pi backdonation is not great. However as my first publication was on the use of Co2(CO)8 I know its pretty soluble in thf. Don't show it any hydroxide though you'll convert it to Co(CO)4- anion