Reactions of π-indenyl complexes of transition metals. Part I. Kinetics and mechanisms of reactions of tricarbonyl-π-indenylmethylmolybdenum with phosphorus( III ) ligands

Reactions of tricarbonyl-π-indenylmethylmolybdenum with phosphorus ligands yield, in the first instance, products of the same type as those obtained from the analogous π-cyclopentadienyl complex. The rates of reaction, both in tetrahydrofuran and in n-hexane, are however appreciably faster than those for the π-cyclopentadienyl complex. Possible explanations for this increase in rate are discussed.In all cases, the initial product undergoes a further reaction which is believed to be an isomerization similar to those previously described for complexes of the type (π-C5H5)Mo(CO)2(L)I.