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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Facile Preparation of 2Z,4E-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
Published on: June 21, 2017
Initial radical cation pathway in the Mo2Cl10-mediated dehydrogenative arene coupling.
Jana Leppin1, Moritz Schubert, Siegfried R Waldvogel
1Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz (Germany).
Molybdenum complexes catalyze arene coupling by forming radical cations from methoxyarenes. This initial electron transfer occurs through an inner sphere mechanism, providing key mechanistic insights.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Reaction Mechanisms
Background:
- Dehydrogenative arene coupling is a crucial transformation in organic synthesis.
- Understanding the initial steps of metal-mediated reactions is vital for catalyst design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the initial step in Mo2Cl10-mediated dehydrogenative arene coupling.
- To investigate the mechanism of electron transfer from arenes to the molybdenum center.
Main Methods:
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for experimental evidence.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for theoretical validation.
Main Results:
- Experimental and theoretical data confirm radical cation formation as the initial step.
- Evidence supports an inner sphere mechanism for electron transfer from methoxyarenes to molybdenum.
Conclusions:
- The Mo2Cl10-mediated dehydrogenative arene coupling initiates via radical cation formation.
- The electron transfer process involves an inner sphere mechanism, highlighting specific substrate-metal interactions.
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