Ligand displacement reactions. Part I. Kinetics of the reaction between trimethyl phosphite and some tricarbonyl(arene)molybdenum complexes

Abstract

The reaction between trimethyl phosphite and tricarbonyl(arene)molybdenum complexes in methylcyclohexane at 50° is first order in each reactant and yields only cis-tricarbonyltris(trimethyl phosphite)molybdenum and arene. Evidence for an S_N2 mechanism is described. The reaction is retarded by methyl substituents in the arene. In 1,2-dichloroethane, some complications attributed to reaction with solvent are found at low phosphite concentrations.