Dianionic Mononuclear Cyclo-P4 Complexes of Zero-Valent Molybdenum: Coordination of the Cyclo-P4 Dianion in the Absence of Intramolecular Charge Transfer.

Relative to other cyclic poly-phosphorus species (that is, cyclo-Pn ), the planar cyclo-P4 group is unique in its requirement of two additional electrons to achieve aromaticity. These electrons are supplied from one or more metal centers. However, the degree of charge transfer is dependent on the nature of the metal fragment. Unique examples of dianionic mononuclear η4 -P4 complexes are presented that can be viewed as the simple coordination of the [cyclo-P4 ]2- dianion to a neutral metal fragment. Treatment of the neutral, molybdenum cyclo-P4 complexes Mo(η4 -P4 )I2 (CO)(CNArDipp2 )2 and Mo(η4 -P4 )(CO)2 (CNArDipp2 )2 with KC8 produces the dianionic, three-legged piano stool complexes, [Mo(η4 -P4 )(CO)(CNArDipp2 )2 ]2- and [Mo(η4 -P4 )(CO)2 (CNArDipp2 )]2- , respectively. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational studies reveal a similarity to the classic η6 -benzene complex (η6 -C6 H6 )Mo(CO)3 regarding the metal-center valence state and electronic population of the planar-cyclic ligand π system.

Photolytic Reductive Elimination of White Phosphorus from a Mononuclear cyclo-P4 Transition Metal Complex.

Elemental white phosphorus (P4 ) is well recognized as a critical precursor to organophosphorus compounds. However, regulatory constraints stemming from the toxic and pyrophoric nature of white phosphorus have significantly limited its accessibility. Herein is described a new approach to white phosphorus storage and release based on a unique example of photolytic reductive elimination of the tetrahedral P4 molecule from a mononuclear cyclo-P4 molybdenum complex. The latter functions as an air-stable, chemically-deactivated source of white phosphorus. The system features efficient photo-release of white phosphorus using inexpensive violet LED sources. Additionally, high-yield recapture of unspent white phosphorus by the molybdenum center can be achieved by post-photolysis heating at convenient temperatures.

Regioselective Formation of (E)-ß-Vinylstannanes with a Topologically Controlled Molybdenum-Based Alkyne Hydrostannation Catalyst.

The regioselective formation of (E)-ß-vinylstannanes has been a long-standing challenge in transition-metal-catalyzed alkyne hydrostannation. Herein, we report a well-defined molybdenum-based system featuring two encumbering m-terphenyl isocyanides that reliably and efficiently delivers (E)-ß-vinylstannanes from a range of terminal and internal alkynes with high regioselectivity. The system is particularly effective for aryl alkynes and can discriminate between alkyl chains of low steric hindrance in unsymmetrically substituted dialkyl alkynes. Catalytic hydrostannation with this system is also characterized by an electronic effect that leads to a decrease in regioselectivity when electron-withdrawing groups are present on the alkyne substrate.