Electrophilic and nucleophilic gas phase reactivity of the Janus cluster-based anions [{Mo6Cl8}Cl5□]− (□ = lacuna)

Abstract

The lacunary monocharged anion [{Mo₆Clⁱ₈}Cl^a₅□^a]⁻ presents concomitantly a strongly electrophilic site and a nucleophilic one. This Janus character in terms of reactivity is confirmed by its gas phase reaction with [Br₆Cs₄K]⁻ to form [{Mo₆Clⁱ₈}Cl^a₅Br^a]²⁻ and by its unusual self-reactivity leading to [{Mo₆Clⁱ₈}Cl^a₆]²⁻ dianions.