Hydrido Phosphine Arene Complexes of Molybdenum

One of the key factors in the syntheses of benzene molybdenum complexes is the facile preparation of large quantities of bis ( 76-benzene)molybdenum. The synthesis of this compound under sealed-tube conditions has been described elsewhere.5,6 The modified procedure described here is useful for large-scale preparations. 

All operations are carried out in a dry, inert atmosphere. Schlenk apparatus capable of handling ca. 500 mL of solution is useful for the work-up of the products. Although the intermediates may be handled briefly in air, bis(f/6-benzene)molybdenum is immediately decomposed by oxygen. 

A 3-L three-necked flask is equipped with a Teflon-blade stirrer and a nitrogen-inlet tube. Aqueous potassium hydroxide solution (750 g of KOH 

Bis(t/6-toluene)molybdenum and bis(t/6-mesitylene)molybdenum may be prepared in a similar manner. The reaction is carried out at atmospheric pressure, and the final product is purified by sublimation.3 Similar yields are obtained. 

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