in dichloromethane neat (n-Bu)3P is added to a soln. of (C5H5)2V2S4 in CH2Cl2 at room temp. under N2; after 30 min, the reaction mixt. is evapd. to dryness; residue washed with hexane and extd. with CH2Cl2 to remove (Cp)5V5S6; remaining black solid is extd. with CH2Cl2 for 24 h; remainder is (Cp)4V4S4; brown ext. cooled to 0°C to crystallize further (Cp)4V4S4; elem. anal.;

in dichloromethane a soln. of (Cp)2V2S4 in CH2Cl2 is added to a soln. of (CH3C5H4)2V2S4 in CH2Cl2; a soln. of (n-Bu)3P is added, the resulting mixt. stirred for 1 h at room temp.; 1 further product formed; solvent removed in vac., residue extd. with hexane; ext. concd. to give a black microcrystalline solid; products not further sepd.;