Para-terphenyl diphosphine molybdenum complexes: Synthesis and reactivity

Abstract

We describe the synthesis of a series of molybdenum (Mo) complexes supported by a para-terphenyl diphosphine (P2) ligand, displaying metal-arene interactions. Treatment of P2 with Mo tricarbonyl precursors yields the Mo°c species, P2Mo(CO)3. Two electron oxidn. followed by photolytic decarbonylation gives a Mo^II complex, [P2Mo(MeCN)2]^2+. Sodium azide oxidizes this species to yield a Mo^IV nitride-azide complex. Redn. with magnesium furnishes a Mo°c dinitrogen complex, P2Mo(N2). This dinitrogen species reacts cleanly with CO_2, H_2, or PhSiH_3 providing a μ_2-CO_2 complex, a Mo dihydride, and a Ph silyl hydride species, resp. The structure, characterization, and further reactivity of these P2 Mo complexes will be discussed.

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