Reduction of [formula omitted] by thioglycolic acid in an aqueous medium: Synthesis and structure of [{Cp*Mo(μ-SCH 2COO)} 2(μ-S)

Abstract

Compound [ Cp 2 ∗ Mo 2 O 5 ] reacts with thioglycolic acid, HSCH 2COOH, in an acidic (CF 3COOH) mixed water–methanol solvent, to yield compound [{Cp*Mo(μ-SCH 2CO 2)} 2(μ-S)]. During this reaction, the thioglycolic acid acts as a reducing agent, as a ligand, and provides a sulfide ion for the Mo–S–Mo bridge. The molecular structure of the product can be described as containing two four-legged piano stools that share three legs. The Mo–Mo distance of 2.792(7) Å indicates metal–metal bonding, in agreement with the compound diamagnetism.