Oxomolybdenum(III) complexes

Abstract

Reaction of the molybdenum(III) compound Mo₂O₂Cl₂(H₂O)₆ with ligands, L, gave complexes Mo₂O₂Cl₂(H₂O)_xL_y[L = 2,2′-bipyridyl and 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl (x= 2, y= 2), pyrrole and pyridazine (x= 4, y= 2), pyridine (x= 4, y= 3)], Mo₂O₂(H₂O)_xL_y[L = acetylacetonate (x= 4, y= 2) and tartrate (2-)(x= 6, y= 1)], and an oxalato-complex Mo₄O₃(C₂O₄)₃(H₂O)₁₂. The complexes are formulated and structures proposed on the basis of analyses and physical measurements. The binuclear complexes contain the di-µ-oxo-dimolybdenum(III) group, MoO₂Mo, and the tetrameric oxalato-complex contains µ-hydroxo-µ-oxo-dimolybdenum groups, Mo(OH)OMo, linked by bridging oxalate. Earlier formulations of some of the complexes with terminal oxygen bonded to molybdenum are shown to be incorrect.