Dichlorodioxomolybdenum(VI) Complexes: Useful and Readily Available Catalysts in Organic Synthesis

Molybdenum(VI) dichloride dioxide (MoO2Cl2), and its addition complexes [MoO2Cl2(L)n; L = neutral ligand], are commercially or easily available and inexpensive transition-metal complexes based on a non-noble metal that can be applied as catalysts for various organic transformations. This short review aims to present the most significant breakthroughs in this field. 1 Introduction 2 Preparation and Reactivity of MoO2Cl2(L)n Complexes 2.1 Synthesis and Structure 2.2 Reactivity of Dichlorodioxomolybdenum(VI) Complexes 3 Redox Processes Catalyzed by MoO2Cl2(L)n Complexes 3.1 Deoxygenation Reactions Using Phosphorus Compounds 3.2 Deoxygenation and Hydrosilylation Reactions Using Silanes 3.3 Reduction Reactions Using Hydrogen 3.4 Deoxygenation Reactions with Boranes and Thiols 3.5 Reduction Reactions with Glycols 3.6 Oxidation Reactions 4 Ambiphilic Reactivity of MoO2Cl2 4.1 Amphoteric Lewis Acid–Lewis Base Catalyzed Reactions 4.2 Lewis Acid Type Catalyzed Reactions 5 Conclusion and Perspective