Catalytic hydrogenation of olefins by a multifunctional molybdenum-sulfur complex.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 38280870.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-45018-3 and PMC identifier 10821942.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Exploration of molybdenum complexes as homogeneous hydrogenation catalysts has garnered significant attention, but hydrogenation of unactivated olefins under mild conditions are scarce. Here, we report the synthesis of a molybdenum complex, [Cp*Mo(Ph<sub>2</sub>PC<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>S-CH = CH<sub>2</sub>)(Py)]<sup>+</sup> (2), which exhibits intriguing reactivity toward C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub> under ambient pressure. This vinylthioether complex showcases efficient catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of various aromatic and aliphatic alkenes, demonstrating a broad substrate scope without the need for any additives. The catalytic pathway involves an uncommon oxidative addition of H<sub>2</sub> to the cationic Mo(II) center, resulting in a Mo(IV) dihydride intermediate. Moreover, complex 2 also shows catalytic activity toward C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>, leading to the production of polyacetylene and the extension of the vinylthioether ligand into a pendant triene chain.