Terminal Oxo Ligands Research Articles

Structures, bonding and reactivity of iron and manganese high-valent metal-oxo complexes: A computational investigation

Iron and manganese ions with terminal oxo and hydroxo ligands are discovered as key intermediates in several synthetic and biochemical catalytic cycles. Since many of these species possess vigorous catalytic abilities, they are extremely transient in nature and experiments which probe the structure and bonding on such elusive species are still rare. We present here comprehensive computational studies on eight iron and manganese oxo and hydroxo (FeIII/IV/V-O, FeIII-OH and MnIII/IV/V-O, MnIII-OH) species using dispersion corrected (B3LYP-D2) density functional method. By computing all the possible spin states for these eight species, we set out to determine the ground state S value of these species; and later on employing MO analysis, we have analysed the bonding aspects which contribute to the high reactivity of these species. Direct structural comparison to iron and manganese-oxo species are made and the observed similarity and differences among them are attributed to the intricate metal–oxygen bonding. By thoroughly probing the bonding in all these species, their reactivity towards common chemical reactions such as C–H activation and oxygen atom transfer are discussed. In this work, we present comprehensive computational studies on iron and manganese high-valent oxo and hydroxo species using dispersion corrected (B3LYP-D2) density functional method. By thoroughly probing the bonding in all these species, their reactivity towards common chemical reactions such as C-H activation and oxygen atom transfer are commented.

Molybdenum site structure of MOSC family proteins.

Mo K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been used to probe as-isolated structures of the MOSC family proteins pmARC-1 and HMCS-CT. The Mo K-edge near-edge spectrum of HMCS-CT is shifted ∼2.5 eV to lower energy compared to the pmARC-1 spectrum, which indicates that as-isolated HMCS-CT is in a more reduced state than pmARC-1. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis indicates significant structural differences between pmARC-1 and HMCS-CT, with the former being a dioxo site and the latter possessing only a single terminal oxo ligand. The number of terminal oxo donors is consistent with pmARC-1 being in the MoVI oxidation state and HMCS-CT in the MoIV state. These structures are in accord with oxygen-atom-transfer reactivity for pmARC-1 and persulfide bond cleavage chemistry for HMCS-CT.

The reactions of Cr(CO)6, Fe(CO)5, and Ni(CO)4 with O2 yield viable oxo‐metal carbonyls

Transition metal complexes with terminal oxo and dioxygen ligands exist in metal oxidation reactions, and many are key intermediates in various catalytic and biological processes. The prototypical oxo-metal [(OC)5Cr-O, (OC)4Fe-O, and (OC)3 Ni-O] and dioxygen-metal carbonyls [(OC)5Cr-OO, (OC)4Fe-OO, and (OC)3Ni-OO] are studied theoretically. All three oxo-metal carbonyls were found to have triplet ground states, with metal-oxo bond dissociation energies of 77 (Cr-O), 74 (Fe-O), and 51 (Ni-O) kcal/mol. Natural bond orbital and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analyses predict metal-oxo bond orders around 1.3. Their featured ν(MO, M = metal) vibrational frequencies all reflect very low IR intensities, suggesting Raman spectroscopy for experimental identification. The metal interactions with O2 are much weaker [dissociation energies 13 (Cr-OO), 21 (Fe-OO), and 4 (Ni-OO) kcal/mol] for the dioxygen-metal carbonyls. The classic parent compounds Cr(CO)6, Fe(CO)5, and Ni(CO)4 all exhibit thermodynamic instability in the presence of O2 , driven to displacement of CO to form CO2. The latter reactions are exothermic by 47 [Cr(CO)6], 46 [Fe(CO)5], and 35 [Ni(CO)4] kcal/mol. However, the barrier heights for the three reactions are very large, 51 (Cr), 39 (Fe), and 40 (Ni) kcal/mol. Thus, the parent metal carbonyls should be kinetically stable in the presence of oxygen.

Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with naphtholate-oxazoline ligands in catalytic epoxidation of olefins

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic epoxidation experiments of two new dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO2(L)2] (3a-b) equipped with O,N-bidentate naphtholate-oxazoline ligands L=2a-b are described. Ligands 2a-b (2a=2-(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)naphthalen-1-ol, 2b=2-(4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)naphthalen-1-ol) were obtained via a two-step synthesis starting from 1-hydroxy-naphthoic acid. Complexes 3a-b were synthesized starting from [MoO2(acac)2] and obtained in good yields as air and moisture stable solids. The molecular structure of both complexes 3a-b were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, showing the expected octahedral coordination of the Mo center by two bidentate ligands of 2a or 2b and two terminal oxo ligands. Interestingly, for complex 3b two different coordination isomers with regards to the orientation of the bidentate ligands (N,N-trans3b and N,N-cis3b’), were obtained in the solid state. Both complexes 3a-b show high catalytic activities and selectivities in the epoxidation of various terminal and internal olefins at low catalyst loadings of 0.05mol% with tert-butylhydroperoxide. With cyclooctene TON of 5000 could be reached, for styrene selectivities of >90% were achieved.

The Electronic Nature of Terminal Oxo Ligands in Transition-Metal Complexes: Ambiphilic Reactivity of Oxorhenium Species

The synthesis of the Lewis acid-base adducts of B(C6F5)3 and BF3 with [DAAmRe(O)(X)] DAAm = N,N-bis(2-arylaminoethyl)methylamine; aryl = C6F5 (X = Me, 1, COCH3, 2, Cl, 3) as well as their diamidopyridine (DAP) (DAP=(2,6-bis((mesitylamino)methyl)pyridine) analogues, [DAPRe(O)(X)] (X = Me, 4, Cl, 5, I, 6, and COCH3,7), are described. In these complexes the terminal oxo ligands act as nucleophiles. In addition we also show that stoichiometric reactions between 3 and triarylphosphine (PAr3) result in the formation of triarylphosphine oxide (OPAr3). The electronic dependence of this reaction was studied by comparing the rates of oxygen atom transfer for various para-substituted triaryl phosphines in the presence of CO. From these experiments a reaction constant ρ = -0.29 was obtained from the Hammett plot. This suggests that the oxygen atom transfer reaction is consistent with nucleophilic attack of phosphorus on an electrophilic metal oxo. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first examples of mono-oxo d(2) metal complexes in which the oxo ligand exhibits ambiphilic reactivity.

Novel oxorhenium(V) complexes of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives – Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray crystal structures and DFT calculations

Two modifications of 8-hydroxyquinoline framework, namely 5,7-dichloro-2-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)vinyl]quinoline-8-ol (HL1) and 2-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)vinyl] quinoline-8-ol (HL2) have been synthesized and their interaction with [ReOX3(PPh3)2] (X=Cl, Br) have been examined. HL1 and HL2 react with [ReOX3(PPh3)2] to give [ReOCl2(L1)(PPh3)]2·MeCN (1), [ReOBr2(L1)(PPh3)] (2), [ReOCl2(L2)(PPh3)] (3) and [ReOBr2(L2)(PPh3)] (4). The complexes have been characterized spectroscopically and structurally. The experimental studies on 1 and 3 have been accompanied by DFT calculations, and additional information about binding between the rhenium atom and oxo ligand has been obtained by NBO analysis. The X-ray studies and NBO analysis confirm a triple bond between the rhenium and the terminal oxo ligand. The L1 and L2 ligands coordinate in a chelate way via N- and O-donor atoms, and the oxygen donor of the chelate ligand is located trans to the terminal oxo (Ot) group due to a strong trans-influence of Ot ligand. DFT and TD-DFT calculations applied to 1 and 3 resulted in appropriate prediction of the UV–Vis spectra and enabled a detailed assignment of the electronic transitions to the experimental absorptions.

Quintuple Bond Reactivity toward Group 16 and 17 Elements: Addition vs Insertion

The low valent, coordinatively unsaturated, and formally quintuply bonded bimetallic aminopyridinato chromium complex 1 was investigated regarding its reactivity toward group 16 and 17 elements. Reaction of 1 with O(2) yielded a dimeric Cr oxo complex 2, a compound with a high formal oxidation state carrying both bridging and terminal oxo ligands. Reactions with the higher homologues of the group lead to the formation of dimeric Cr(II) complexes in which E(2)(2-) ligands were formed [E = S (3), Se (4), and Te (5)]. Here the quintuply bonded dichromium unit formally undergoes an addition reaction. Reaction of 1 with the homo diatomic molecules of the group 17 elements leads to products in which the Cr-Cr quintuple bond is inserted into the corresponding X(2) molecule [X = Cl (6), Br (7), and I (8)]. Complex 1 was also found to insert into the S-S and Se-Se bonds of 1,2-diphenyldisulfane or the corresponding selenium compound (complexes 9 and 10, respectively). All the compounds have been characterized by NMR and elemental analysis. Additionally, eight of the complexes have been characterized by X-ray analysis. The bimetallic Cr(II) complexes feature metal-metal distances between 1.8369(18) and 1.918(12) Å.

Oxidation State Delineation via U LIII-Edge XANES in a Series of Isostructural Uranium Coordination Complexes

We present an X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) study of a series of uranium coordination complexes that possess nearly identical first coordination spheres and geometries in a range of oxidation states from U(III) to U(VI). These compounds were obtained through the activation of small molecules, such as ketones, azides, and carbon dioxide, and upon oxidation of a high-valent U(V)≡O to [U(VI)≡O](+). Most of the compounds have been reported previously. All of them are fully characterized and their oxidation states have been confirmed by various spectroscopic methods (SQUID, (1)H NMR, and UV/vis/near-IR). Each uranium complex consists of a triazacyclononane anchor bearing three aryloxide side arms with bulky tert-butyl (t-Bu) or adamantyl (Ad) ortho substituents. All complexes have approximate C(3) symmetry and possess an axial cavity that is either empty (U(III)) or occupied by a seventh ligand, namely, terminal oxygen (U(V) and U(VI)) or an oxygen-containing ligand (U(IV)). The only exception is [(((t-Bu)ArO)(3)tacnU(VI)(O)][SbF(6)], which is the rare case of a complex that shows a strong inverse trans influence. The determined correlation between the uranium oxidation state and the U L(III)-edge XANES absorption in this series includes a single terminal oxo ligand bonded uranium(V,VI), for which data are essentially nonexistent. The correct assignment of the uranium valence in a U(IV)-L(•-) compound (L(•-) = ketyl radical) is shown to be only possible by a comparison to structurally similar compounds.

Synthesis of Uranium(VI) Terminal Oxo Complexes: Molecular Geometry Driven by the Inverse Trans-Influence

Oxidation of our previously reported uranium(V) oxo complexes, supported by the chelating ((R)ArO)(3)tacn(3-) ligand system (R = tert-butyl (t-Bu), 1-t-Bu; R = 1-adamantyl (Ad), 1-Ad), yields terminal uranium(VI) oxo complexes [(((R)ArO)(3)tacn)U(VI)(O)]SbF(6) (R = t-Bu, 2-t-Bu; R = Ad, 2-Ad). These complexes differ in their molecular geometry in that 2-t-Bu possesses pseudo-C(s) symmetry in solution and solid state as the terminal oxo ligand lies in the equatorial plane (as defined by the three aryloxide arms of the ligand) in order to accommodate the thermodynamic preference of high-valent uranium oxo complexes to have a σ- and π-donating ligand trans to the oxo (vis-à-vis the ubiquity of the linear UO(2)(2+) moiety). The distortion of the ligand--which stands in contrast to all other complexes of uranium supported by the ((R)ArO)(3)tacn(3-) ligand, including 2-Ad--is most clearly seen in the structures of 2-t-Bu, [(((t-Bu)ArO)(3)tacn)U(VI)(O)(eq)]SbF(6), and 3-t-Bu, [(((t-Bu)ArO)(3)tacn)U(VI)(O)(eq)(OC(O)CF(3))(ax)]. The solid-state structure of 3-t-Bu reveals that the trans U-O(ArO) bond length is shortened by 0.1 Å in comparison to the cis U-O(ArO) bonds and the trans U-O-C(ipso) angle is linearized (157.67° versus 147.85° and 130.03°). Remarkably, the minor modification of the ligand to have Ad groups at the ortho positions of the aryloxide arms is sufficient to stabilize a C(3v)-symmetric terminal uranium(VI) oxo complex (2-Ad) without a ligand trans to the oxo. These experimental results were reproduced in DFT calculations and allow the qualitative bracketing of the relative thermodynamic stabilization afforded by the inverse trans-influence as ∼6 kcal mol(-1).

Identity of the Exchangeable Sulfur-Containing Ligand at the Mo(V) Center of R160Q Human Sulfite Oxidase

In our previous study of the fatal R160Q mutant of human sulfite oxidase (hSO) at low pH (Astashkin et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2008, 130, 8471-8480), a new Mo(V) species, denoted "species 1", was observed at low pH values. Species 1 was ascribed to a six-coordinate Mo(V) center with an exchangeable terminal oxo ligand and an equatorial sulfate group on the basis of pulsed EPR spectroscopy and (33)S and (17)O labeling. Here we report new results for species 1 of R160Q, based on substitution of the sulfur-containing ligand by a phosphate group, pulsed EPR spectroscopy in K(a)- and W-bands, and extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations applied to large, more realistic molecular models of the enzyme active site. The combined results unambiguously show that species 1 has an equatorial sulfite as the only exchangeable ligand. The two types of (17)O signals that are observed arise from the coordinated and remote oxygen atoms of the sulfite ligand. A typical five-coordinate Mo(V) site is compatible with the observed and calculated EPR parameters.

Infrared spectroscopic and theoretical studies of the OTiF2, OZrF2 and OHfF2 molecules with terminal oxo ligands

The isolated group 4 metal oxydifluoride molecules OMF(2) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) with terminal oxo groups are produced specifically on the spontaneous reactions of metal atoms with OF(2) through annealing in solid argon. The product structures and vibrational spectra are characterized using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy as well as B3LYP density functional and CCSD(T) frequency calculations. OTiF(2) is predicted to have a planar structure while both OZrF(2) and OHfF(2) possess pyramidal structures, all with singlet ground states. Three infrared absorptions are observed for each product molecule, one M-O and two M-F stretching modes, and assignments of these molecules are further supported by the corresponding (18)O shifts. The molecular orbitals of the group 4 OMF(2) molecules show triple bond character for the terminal oxo groups, which are also supported by an NBO analysis. These molecular orbitals include a σ bond (O(2p) + Ti(sd hybrid)), a normal electron pair π bond (O(2p) + Ti(d)), and a dative π bond arising from O lone pair donation to the overlapping Ti d orbital. The M-O bond dissociation energies for OMF(2) are comparable to those in the diatomic oxide molecules. The OTiF intermediate is also observed through two slightly lower frequency bond stretching modes, and its yield is increased in complementary TiO + F(2) experiments. Finally, the formation of group 4 OMF(2) molecules is highly exothermic due to the weak O-F bonds in OF(2) as well as the strong new MO and M-F bonds formed.

Epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene using diamine bis(phenolate) vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten complexes as catalysts

The dioxomolybdenum and dioxotungsten complexes [MoO2L1] (1-Mo) and [WO2L1] (2-W), supported by a diamine bis(phenolate) ligand (L1=Me2NCH2CH2N(CH2-2-O-3,5-C6H2tBu2)2) were prepared from MoO2Cl2 and WO2Cl2(dme) in good yields. The solid-state structures of both compounds obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveal distorted octahedral geometries around the metals with cis terminal oxo ligands. Their performance in the catalytic epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene using H2O2 and TBHP as oxidants was evaluated. 2-W displays high activity with H2O2 as terminal oxidant, achieving 84% conversion in 6h (TOF=1400molsubmolcat−1h−1), while its molybdenum counterpart 1-Mo was inactive in the same conditions. Using TBHP as oxidant the opposite trend was observed and 1-Mo attained 93% conversion in 6h (TOF=1550molsubmolcat−1h−1). The Oxovanadium complexes [VOL1Cl] (3-V), [VOL2Cl] (4-V, L2=Me2NCH2CH(CH3)N(CH2-2-O-3,5-C6H2tBu2)2) and [(VOL1)2(μ-O)] (5-V) were also tested as catalysts in the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene. The three compounds display high activity when the epoxidation reaction is performed using TBHP as oxidant. Using H2O2, 3-V and 4-V are moderately active while 5-V is inactive.

Interactions Involving Lewis Acidic Aluminum Sites in Oxide-Supported Perrhenate Catalysts

In oxide-supported perrhenate catalysts, isolated Re(VII) becomes anchored to the support at surface hydroxyl sites. However, oxides that also possess Lewis acidity offer the possibility of additional bonding interactions with perrhenate, which may account for their enhanced activity, for example, in olefin metathesis. Evidence for such interactions was sought by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Re L1- and L3-edges, in combination with DFT modeling. Only perrhenate grafted onto silica using an anhydrous method shows a simple ≡SiOReO3 structure, with three equivalent Re═O multiple bonds. Silica-supported perrhenate prepared by aqueous impregnation is not grafted, but interacts only weakly with the silica support as a tetrahedral ReO4– ion. On silica–alumina and γ-alumina, the anchored perrhenates also interact with adjacent Lewis acid sites. In particular, a terminal oxo ligand interacts with a coordinatively unsaturated Al atom, creating a well-defined Re–Al EXAFS path. In addition, an oxygen atom from the support is coordinated to Re, increasing the metal coordination number from four to five. Simulated vibrational spectra of DFT-optimized models indicate that these pentacoordinate Re sites are consistent with reported Raman spectra for perrhenate supported on γ-alumina.

Synthesis and structural characterization of mixed-metal complexes of CuI with MOS3 cores (M = Mo, W) and of an unusual polymeric AgI/mercaptoimidazole complex with five different AgI coordination environments

Reaction of (NH(4))(2)[MO(2)S(2)] (M = Mo or W) with KI, CuCl and 1,3-diazepane-2-thione (Diap) in acetone affords air- and moisture-stable mixed-metal cluster compounds [MOS(3)(CuDiap)(3)]I (1 and 2). Attempts to produce [WS(4)Ag(2)(Mim(Ph))(4)] (Mim(Ph) = 2-mercapto-1-phenylimidazole) led to the unexpected polymeric compound [Ag(5)I(5)(Mim(Ph))(4)](n) (4), subsequently obtained from a rational direct reaction between AgI and Mim(Ph) in chloroform. The complexes have been characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal diffraction. 1 and 2 have crystallographic threefold rotation symmetry, with an incomplete distorted cube MS(3)Cu(3) core bearing terminal oxo and Diap ligands on M and Cu, respectively. The cube vertex opposite M is empty, giving an overall +1 cationic cluster and a separate I(-) anion too distant from the three Cu atoms to be considered as covalently bonded and resulting in discrete ion pairs in the crystal structures. This arrangement is different from previously reported related OMS(3)(CuL)(3)X complexes (L = monodentate ligand, X = halide), in which X, when present, is directly bonded to one, two or three Cu atoms. 4 has a one-dimensional polymeric chain structure in which silver displays five different approximately tetrahedral coordination environments, iodide ions serve as μ(2), μ(3) and μ(4) bridges, and the thione ligands are each either terminal or bridging. This unusually complex structure for a relatively simple chemical formula represents only the fifth example of a complex (AgI)(n)L(m) in which L is a neutral S-donor ligand, and the five structures display a wide range of individual features. In all three of the new structures, N-H···S and/or N-H···I hydrogen bonds are found.

DFT Study of the Structure and Reactivity of the Terminal Pt(IV)-Oxo Complex Bearing No Electron-Withdrawing Ligands

The recently published [(PCN)Pt═O](+) complex is interesting as a unique example of a stable d(6) terminal transition metal oxo complex not stabilized by electron withdrawing ligands and as a model of oxo complexes frequently implicated as key intermediates in various processes of oxygen transfer. In the present work, we report an extensive DFT study of its geometric and electronic structure, composition in solution, and reactivity. The thermodynamic data and calculated (195)Pt NMR chemical shifts reveal that one solvent molecule is weakly coordinated to the complex in acetone solution. This ancillary ligand is responsible for the diamagnetic state of the complex, retards intramolecular oxygen transfer, and facilitates CO oxidation. Chemical transformations of the coordinated acetone molecule, coordination of other ancillary ligands present in the reaction mixture, and protonation of the Pt-oxo group in nonacidic media are excluded based on thermodynamic or kinetic considerations. Bonding of the terminal oxo ligand with strong electrophiles presents the key interaction in the mechanisms of intramolecular oxygen insertion into the Pt-P bond, in CO oxidation and in water activation mediated by microsolvation. Low affinity of the terminal oxo ligand toward "soft" covalent interactions brings about intermediate formation of agostic hydrido and hydroxo complexes along the reaction pathway of dihydrogen oxidation. Stabilization of the Pt-oxo bonding is attributed to bending of the terminal oxo ligand out of the plane of the complex and to significant transfer of electron density from compact low lying Pt 5d orbitals to more diffuse 6s and 6p orbitals.

Oxovanadium(IV) complexes with cephradine: Synthesis, Semi-Empirical study, spectroscopy, potentiometric study and antimicrobial activity

The reactions between cephradine and VOSO4.3H2O in 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 molar ratios in methanol were investigated at room temperature, 0 °C and −10 °C. In various pH conditions, the different complexes formulated as VO(H2O)3L2−, VO(H2O)L22− and VL3− were formed by titration of VOSO4.3H2O and cephradine with NaOH. These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. IR spectra of all the complexes show the disappearance of ν(O-H) band of cephradine, which confirms complexation. Estimation of vanadium in the complexes was carried out by ICP-AES. The stability constants of each complex were calculated on the basis of which a general mechanism is hereby proposed with regard to the formation of these complexes. In complex (1) the cephradine ligand bind in bidentate [O,O] fashion together with a terminal oxo ligand and water molecules complete the metal coordination sphere. In complex (2) the cephradine ligands bind in bis-bidentate [O,O] fashion and the axial positions are occupied by the oxo ligand and a trans-water molecule. Biological screening tests show significant antibacterial and anti-fungal activities against various bacterial and fungal strains.

Oxovanadium(IV) Silsesquioxane Complexes

In the context of a potential modeling of reduced oxovanadium species occurring on the surfaces of silica-supported vanadia catalysts in the course of its turnover, the incompletely condensed silsesquioxane H(3)(c-pentyl)T(7) was reacted with Cl(4)V(THF)(2) (where THF = tetrahydrofuran) in the presence of triethylamine. Precipitation of 3 equiv of HNEt(3)Cl seemed to point to the clean formation of [((c-pentyl)T(7))(V(IV)Cl)] (1), which was supported by electron paramagnetic resonance studies performed for the resulting solutions, but further analytical and spectroscopic investigations showed that the processes occurring at that stage are more complex than that and even include the formation of [((c-pentyl)T(7))(V(V)O)](2) as a side product. Storage of a red-brown hexane solution of this product mixture reproducibly led to the precipitation of blue crystals belonging to the chloride-free compound [((c-pentyl)T(7))(2)(V(IV)=O)(3)(THF)(2)] (2), as revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Performing the same reaction in the presence of 2 equiv of pyridine leads to an analogous product, where the THF ligands are replaced by pyridine. Subsequent investigations showed that the terminal oxo ligands at the vanadium centers are, on the one hand, due to the presence of adventitious water; on the other hand, the [(c-pentyl)T(7)](3-) ligand also acted as a source of O(2-). The results of SQUID measurements performed for 2 can be interpreted in terms of a ferromagnetic coupling between the vanadyl units. Exposing 2 to a dioxygen atmosphere resulted in its immediate oxidation to yield the V(V) complex [((c-pentyl)T(7))(V(V)O)](2), which may model a fast reoxidation reaction of oxovanadium(IV) trimers on silica surfaces.

Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde on Silica-Supported Molybdena: Density Functional Theory Study on Models of Mononuclear Sites

Isolated molybdenum centers bearing either one (oxomolybdenum system) or two (dioxomolybdenum system) terminal oxo ligands are considered, which are modeled by appropriate mononuclear oxomolybdenum methoxides and oxomolybdasilsesquioxanes. Although the oxidation process in both systems is characterized by the same fundamental steps, that is, dissociative addition of methanol followed by rate-determining hydrogen abstraction from the methoxy group, the mechanism of the oxidation reaction differs in each case. In the oxomolybdenum system, the first step leads to cleavage of a bond in a Mo−O−Si sequence and the formation of a surface molybdenum methoxide species. Hydrogen is then abstracted from the methoxide ligand by a terminal oxo ligand in a process entailing a closed-shell transition structure. In contrast, the preferred mechanism in the dioxomolybdenum system involves a hydroxomolybdenum methoxide intermediate formed without cleavage of a bond in a Mo−O−Si sequence. Furthermore, the hydrogen abstractio...

Bidentate Lewis base adducts of molybdenum(VI): Ligand impact on catalytic performance and stability

The reaction of solvent substituted [MoO 2Cl 2] (THF) 2 complexes with 1 equiv. of bidentate nitrogen donor ligands leads to complexes of the type [MoO 2Cl 2L 2] (L 2 = 4,5-diazafluorene-9-one; 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione; 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester; 3,6′-bis-2-pyridyl-pyridazine; 4,4′-di-ethoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine) in quantitative yields at room temperature under inert gas atmosphere within a few minutes. The catalytic activity of the [MoO 2Cl 2L 2] complexes in olefin epoxidation with t-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidizing agent is strongly influenced by the nature of the ligand L and its steric demand. The complexes, with the sole exception of compound 9 [MoO 2Cl 2(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)], are very active and highly selective epoxidation catalysts. The influence of the terminal oxo ligands together with the Lewis base ligands on the Mo center obviously keeps the compounds on a quite stable level of electron density.

Guest‐Directed Supramolecular Architectures of {W36} Polyoxometalate Crowns

The {W36} isopolyoxotungstate cluster provides a stable inorganic molecular platform for the binding of inorganic and organic guest molecules. This is achieved by a binding pocket formed by six terminal oxo ligands located in the central cavity of the all-inorganic cation binding host. Previously it was shown that the cluster can specifically bind primary amines and importantly, functionalized diamines through a combination of electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Here we transform this assembly strategy to utilize the binding of long-chain alkyldiammonium guest cations to physically define the supramolecular structure of the clusters with respect to each other and demonstrate the structure direction as a function of alkyl chain length. The systematic variation of the chain length gives access to five supramolecular assemblies which were all fully characterized using single crystal XRD, TGA, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. In compound 1, diprotonated 1,8-diaminooctane molecules link the {W36} clusters into infinite 1D zigzag chains, whereas compounds 2 and 3 feature trimeric {W36} assemblies directly connected through protonated 1,9-diaminononane (2) or 1,10-diaminodecane (3) linkers. Compound 4 contains dumb-bell shaped dimeric units as a result of direct center-to-center linkages between the {W36} clusters formed by protonated 1,12-diaminododecane. In compound 5, triply protonated bis(hexamethylene)triamine was employed to obtain linear 1D chains of directly connected {W36} cluster units.