(2.2.2-Cryptand)potassium tetracarbonylcobaltate(−I)

Abstract

The title salt, [K(C18H36N2O6)][Co(CO)4], is an example of a classical carbonylmetalate. The asymmetric unit contains one cation and one tetrahedral anion, both in general positions. Based on comparison of the four carbonyl C—O bond lengths and C—Co—C angles, the anion is unperturbed by the cation, which is normal for an alkali metal fully encased by a cryptand cage.