Photocatalytical decomposition of hydrazine in K 4[Mo(CN) 8] solution: X-ray crystal structure of (PPh 4) 2[Mo(CN) 4O(NH 3)] · 2H 2O

Abstract

Ligand-field photolysis of K 4[Mo(CN) 8] · 2H 2O in 98% N 2H 4 · H 2O yields the catalytical decomposition of N 2H 4 into NH 3 and N 2. From irradiated solutions of octacyanomolybdate(IV) both in NH 3(aq) and 98% N 2H 4 · H 2O(l) as solvents, the salt of the formula (PPh 4) 2[Mo(CN) 4O(NH 3)] · 2H 2O was isolated. The salt is not formed by direct ligand replacement in tetracyanooxomolybdate(IV) ions derived from K 3Na[Mo(CN) 4O 2] · 6H 2O as the solute in similar conditions. The X-ray crystal structure and spectral properties of (PPh 4) 2[Mo(CN) 4O(NH 3)] · 2H 2O are described. The improved method of the synthesis of K 4[Mo(CN) 8] · 2H 2O is also presented.