Instability of 15-electron Cp*MoCl2L (L = 2-electron donor) derivatives. X-ray structure of Cp*MoCl2(PMe2Ph)2 and *MoCl2(PMe2Ph)2>AlCl4

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(94)00005-W

The complex Cp^*MoCl2(PMe2Ph)2 (Cp^* = η⁵C5Me5) has been obtained in good yields from Cp^*MoCl4, PMe2Ph2, and Na in the appropriate stoichiometric ratio, and it is also obtained by a ligand redistribution process after reduction of Cp^*MoCl3(PMe2Ph) with Na.This compound is oxidized by the CH2Cl2 solvent in the presence of AlCl3 to afford the salt *MoCl2(PMe2Ph)2>AlCl4.Both compounds have been characterized crystallographically and by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.The reasons for the instability of 15-electron Cp^*MoCl2L complexes are discussed.The 1H-NMR resonance data for Cp^*MoCl2L2 (L = PMe3, PMe2Ph) and *MoCl2(PMe2Ph)2>⁺ are also discussed. Keywords: Molybdenum; Crystal structure; Cyclopentadienyl