Synthesis and characterization of a novel cobalt carbonyl N-heterocyclic carbene salt. Crystal structure of [Co(CO)(3)(IMes)(2)](+)[Co(CO)(4)](-).

The disproportionation of dicobalt octacarbonyl induced by the free carbene 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) and the X-ray characterization of the cyclohexane solvate of the resulting cobalt carbonyl N-heterocyclic carbene salt, [Co(CO)3(IMes)2]+[Co(CO)4]-.1/4C6H12, is reported. The crystal structure represents the first example of a [Co(CO)3(L)2][Co(CO)4] disproportionate salt reported to date.