Synthesis, characterization and olefin hydroformylation reactions of mer-[Mo(CO)3(p-C5H4N-CN)3]

Mer-[Mo(CO)3(p-C5H4N-CN)3] was prepared by UV-irradiation of a THF solution of Mo(CO)6 and para-cyanopyridine under heating. The complex was characterized by FT-IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR and showed catalytic activity for olefin hydroformylation (1-hexene, cyclohexene and 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene as model olefins; 600 psi synthesis gas (pCO/pH2 = 1); 100 °C; 24 h; toluene). An examination of the complex catalyzed hydroformylation of a real naphtha cut (El Palito refinery, Venezuela), under the same conditions, also showed activity in the conversion to oxygenated products.