Syntheses, characterizations, and reactivities of new 1,4,7-trimethyl-l,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me3tacn) molybdenum and tungsten complexes

Molybdenum(0)-Tricarbonyl Complex Supported by an Azacalix-pyridine Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, Surface Deposition and Conversion to a Molybdenum(VI)-Trioxo Complex with O2

Adsorption of metal-organic complexes on metallic surfaces to produce well-defined single site catalysts is a novel approach combining the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. To avoid the "surface trans-effect" a dome-shaped molybdenum(0) tricarbonyl complex supported by an tolylazacalix[3](2,6)pyridine ligand is synthesized. This vacuum-evaporable complex both activates CO and reacts with molecular oxygen (O2) to form a Mo(VI) trioxo complex which in turn is capable of catalytically mediating oxygen transfer. The molybdenum tricarbonyl- and trioxo complexes are investigated in the solid state, in homogeneous solution and on noble metal surfaces (Cu, Au) employing a range of spectroscopic and analytical methods.

Oxidative Decarbonylation of an Azacalixpyridine-Supported Mo(0)-Tricarbonyl to a Mo(VI)-Trioxo Complex with Dioxygen in Solution and on Au(111): Determination of Molecular Mechanism

The conversion of an azacalixpyridine-supported Mo(0) tricarbonyl into a Mo(VI) trioxo complex with dioxygen (O2) is investigated in homogeneous solution and in a molecular film adsorbed on Au(111) using a variety of spectroscopic and analytical methods. These studies in particular show that the dome-shaped carbonyl complex adsorbed on the metal surface has the ability to bind and activate gaseous oxygen, overcoming the so-called surface trans-effect. Furthermore, the rate of the conversion dramatically increases by irradiation with light. This observation is explained with the help of complementary DFT calculations and attributed to two different pathways, a thermal and a photochemical one. Based on the experimental and theoretical findings, a molecular mechanism for the conversion of the carbonyl to the oxo complex is derived.

Reactions of a Dioxidomolybdenum(VI) Complex with Thionation Reagents—Formation of Mo(IV) Species with Sulfur Donors

Molecular molybdenum complexes with sulfur donor ligands are generally studied as soluble model compounds for molybdenum enzymes essential for life. The dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex with tetradentate aminobisphenolate ligand undergoes a reaction with thionation reagent P₂S₅ or its organic derivative, Lawesson’s reagent, to yield stable Mo(IV) aminobisphenolate complexes, where pristine oxido ligands have been replaced by bidentate sulfur donors tetrasulfide, S₄²⁻ or (4-methoxyphenyl)phosphonotrithioate residue derived from Lawesson’s reagent. This is in contrast to the behaviour of analogous dioxidotungsten(VI) complex, which, under similar conditions, yields W(VI) S₂ systems. The overall cis,trans,cis geometry of the parent dioxidomolybdenum(VI) aminobisphenolate is retained, namely, the neutral nitrogen donors are in cis positions, phenolate oxygens are trans to each other and sulfur donors are cis. Although formally Mo(IV), thus d² system, the studied complexes have diamagnetic singlet electron configurations as a result of the axially compressed octahedral structures.