Arene–molybdenum chemistry: diprotonation of arenetris(tertiary phosphine)molybdenum compounds

Abstract

The compounds [(arene)Mo(PR₃)]₃[(I) : arene = benzene, R = Et; arene = mesitylene (mst), R = Me] have been prepared. They are readily protonated by dilute aqueous acids forming the cations [(arene) Mo(PR₃)₃H]⁺, (II), and with concentrated aqueous acids further protonation gives [(arene) Mo(PR₃)₃H₂]²⁺, (III). Analogous diprotonated cations (arene = benzene, R₃= Ph₂Me or PhMe₂) are also described.