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.

try DMSO.

IPA, Acetone or THF?

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).

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.

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

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.

supercritical CO2? if you have the hardware

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