REACTIONS OF trans-Mo(N2)2(Ph2CH2CH2PPh2)2 WITH ESTERS; CLEAVAGE OF C-O BONDS

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(00)86099-4

Reactions of benzyl carboxylates, RCOOCH2C6H5, (R=CH3 or C2H5) with trans-Mo(N2)2(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2 yield RH, C6H6 and molybdenum carbonyl complex(es), whereas C2H4 and H2 also are formed when the R group is C2H5.The formation of the products is accounted for by assuming oxidative addition of the ester to molybdenum (cleavage of the acyl-O bond of RCOOCH2C6H5), followed by extrusion of CO.Reactions of phenyl carboxylates occur similarly by way of acyl-O bond cleavage.In contrast, reaction of allyl acetate with trans-Mo(N2)2(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2 involves the cleavage of the allyl-O bond to give propylene and a molybdenum acetate complex containing the ortho-metallated phosphine.Reactions of vinyl carboxylates occur similarly by way of vinyl-O bond cleavage.