Nitrogen-atom exchange mediated by nitrido complexes of molybdenum.

Nitrido complexes NMo(OC(CF3)2Me)3 and NMo(OC(CF3)3)3(NCMe) containing fluorinated alkoxide ancillary ligands are synthesized in 57% and 50% yield, respectively. Both complexes undergo N-atom exchange within hours at 30 degrees C with acetonitrile and benzonitrile in either THF-d8 or CD2Cl2, as shown by 15N NMR studies using labeled 15NCMe. In both solvents, is the more active in this process. Additionally, both compounds are substantially more active in THF-d8 than in CD2Cl2. Complex crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c, adopting a pseudo-square-pyramidal structure in which the nitrido moiety occupies the apical position, 1.633(3) A away from Mo.