D3h [Ta(CH3)6]-, C3v Mo(CH3)6 and W(CH3)6


[Ta(CH3)6]-

Ref: CCDC Code POZHUH
S. Kleinhenz, V. Pfennig, K. Seppelt, Chem. Eur J. Vol 4, p. 1687, 1998 Cation (tris-diethylether solvate of Li+) not shown for clarity of viewing
Bond lengths vary by 0.063 Angstroms from shortest to longest: 2.207, 2.220, 2.224, 2.227, 2.229, 2.262.
The molecule is not perfectly Trigonal Prismatic but closer than in Mo(CH3)6.

Mo(CH3)6

Ref: CCDC LOJDIX
B. Roessler, K. Seppelt Angew, Chem, Int Ed. Vol 39, p. 1259, 2000
Bond lengths vary by 0.116 Angstroms from shortest to longest with three longer bonds and three shorter bonds:
2.088, 2.096, 2.114 then 2.191, 2.200, 2.04) (comps group notice the name of the authors in all three cases)

W(CH3)6

Ref: CCDC Code ZOSXEK
S. Kleinhenz, V. Pfennig, K. Seppelt, Chem. Eur J. Vol 4, p. 1687, 1998
Bond lengths vary again by 0.063 Angstroms from shortest to longest with three somewhat shorter and three somewhat longer
2.104, 2.113, 2.123 then 2.149, 2.154 and 2.167