Template reactions with polynuclear complexes. The reaction of [Mo 2(O 2CCF 3) 4(PR 3) 2] (R = Ph, Et) with 2-aminobenzaldehyde

Abstract

The binuclear molybdenum(II) complexes [Mo 2(O 2CCF 3) 4(PR 3) 2] (R = Ph, Et) act as templates for the self-condensation of 2-aminobenzaldehyde to give a new class of complexes in which a hydride ion bridges two molybdenum(III) centres, each of which carries a tetradentate macrocyclic ligand (C). The new hydrido complexes [Mo 2(C) 2 (H)(O 2CCF 3) 3(PPh 3) 2] ( I), [Mo 2(C) 2(H) 2(O 2CCF 3) 2(PPh 3) 2] ( II), and [Mo 2(C) 2 (H) 2(O 2CCF 3) 2(PEt 3) 2] 2 ( V) exist in two or more isomeric forms as shown by their IR, 1H, 31P and 19F NMR spectra. Substitution with thiocyanate, nitrate and tetraphenylborate anions gives the new products [Mo 2(C) 2(H)(CO)(NCS) 3(PPh 3) 2] ( III), [Mo 2(C) 2 (H) 2(O 2CCF 3)(NO 3)(PPh 3) 2] ( IV), [Mo 2(C) 2(H)(O 2CCF 3)(PPh 3) 2](BPh 4) 2 ( VI) and [Mo 2(C) 2(H) 2(O 2CCF 3)(PEt 3) 2](BPh 4) ( VII), which also exist in isomeric forms.