Homogeneous modeling of ammoxidation chemistry: nitrile formation using a soluble analogue of MoO3

The reaction of the soluble MoO 3 analogue [Mo 6 O 19 ] 2- with Ph 3 PNCH 2 Ph replicates key features of heterogeneous ammoxidation chemistry by producing moderate yields of PhCN through the proposed intermediacy of the benzylimido hexamolybdate complex [Mo 6 O 18 (NCH 2 Ph)] 2- .