Improved Preparations of Molybdenum Coordination Compounds from Tetrachlorobis(diethyl ether)molybdenum(IV)

The reduction of MoCl5 with metallic tin in diethyl ether provides a rapid and convenient entry to [MoCl4(OEt2)2] This compound can be transformed easily and in high yields into a variety of other useful synthons. The loss of ether in the solid state affords a new and reactive form of MoCl4. Treatment with THF, PMe3 or LiOtBu affords [MoCl4(THF)2], [MoCl4(PMe3)3] or [Mo(OtBu)4] in high isolated yields. Treatment with metallic tin in THF affords [MoCl3(THF)3] All of these reactions can be carried out under simple experimental conditions and represent significant improvements relative to previously reported syntheses of the same compounds.