The detection and reactivity of [MoH4(η2-H2)(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2]2+

Abstract

The reaction between [MoH₄(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] and HCl in tetrahydrofuran involves the detected, transient intermediate, [MoH₄(η²-H₂)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]²⁺, a species which must contain at least one co-ordinated dihydrogen molecule if the maximum oxidation state of the molybdenum is not to be exceeded; the reactivity of polyhydridic sites towards protons, particularly with respect to the dinitrogen-binding site in the enzyme nitrogenase, is discussed in the light of this study.