Dioxygen ligand transfer in heterobimetallic systems

Abstract A new type of heterobimetallic dioxygen complex is described. On the basis of spectroscopic and analytical data this complex was assigned the following formulation: When M = (PPh 3 ) 2 N, the corresponding complex dissolved in organic solvents, is stable under an inert atmosphere. Under an atmosphere of oxygen, on the other hand, a new peroxo complex of molybdenum is obtained: This new dioxygen complex is the first example of a peroxo complex obtained directly from oxygen and molybdenum. Experiments carried out with 18 O 2 clearly show that the entering molecule of oxygen is directly fixed on the molybdenum atom, whereas the original dioxygen ligand remains on the cobalt atom. These results, as well as other experimental observations, are discussed.