Application
Tungsten(IV) chloride, WCl4, is a black diamagnetic solid with a polymeric structure, characterized by linear chains of tungsten atoms in octahedral geometry. It serves as a crucial precursor reactant in the preparation of highly conductive tungsten diselenide nanosheets. In this solid, each tungsten center is linked by six chloride ligands, four of which act as bridging ligands, resulting in alternating bonding and nonbonding tungsten-tungsten separations. Typically produced by reducing WCl6, WCl4 can be synthesized using various reductants such as red phosphorus, tungsten hexacarbonyl, gallium, tin, and optimally, antimony. This compound is sensitive to moisture and can decompose when heated, highlighting the need for careful handling during its use in advanced material synthesis.