Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Molybdenum complexes supported by mixed NHC/phosphine ligands: activation of N2 and reaction with P(OMe)3 to the
Christian Gradert1, Nadja Stucke, Jan Krahmer
1Institut für Anorganische Chemie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24098 Kiel (Germany), Fax: (+49) 0431-880-1520 www.ac.uni-kiel.de/tuczek.
Abstract:
Molybdenum(0) dinitrogen complexes, supported by the mixed NHC/phosphine pincer ligand PCP, exhibit an extreme activation of the N2 ligand due to a very π-electron-rich metal center. The low thermal stability of these compounds can be increased using phosphites instead of phosphines as coligands. Through an amalgam reduction of [MoCl3(PCP)] in the presence of trimethyl phosphite and N2 the highly activated and room-temperature stable dinitrogen complex [Mo(N2)(PCP)(P(OMe)3)2] is obtained. As a second product, the first transition metal complex containing the meta-phosphite ligand P(O)(OMe) originates from this reaction.
More Related Videos
07:14Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers
Published on: May 12, 2023
08:46Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of PhosphorusI
Published on: November 22, 2016
Related Concept Videos
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Properties of Organometallic Compounds
Aldehydes and Ketones to Alkenes: Wittig Reaction Mechanism
The reaction begins with the nucleophilic addition between a phosphorus ylide and the carbonyl compound. Due to its carbanionic character, phosphorus ylide acts as a strong nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbonyl group. This generates a charge-separated dipolar intermediate called betaine. The negatively charged oxygen atom...
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly,...
Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...