Coordination-induced bond weakening of multiple C-H bonds in a molybdenum methyl complex leading to a bridging ethylenediyl by C-C bond formation through bimolecular coupling of a terminal methylidyne

Abstract

Activation of C-H bonds in a molybdenum methyl complex by coordination-induced bond weakening was demonstrated by abstracting three hydrogen atoms with an aryl oxyl reagent. The final product is a Mo=C=C=Mo complex arising from coupling of a molybdenum methylidyne intermediate and subsequent removal of the final hydrogen atom equivalent.