Combining a Nitrogenase Scaffold and a Synthetic Compound into an Artificial Enzyme

Nitrogenase catalyzes substrate reduction at its cofactor center ([(Cit)MoFe₇S₉C]^n?; designated M‐cluster). Here, we report the formation of an artificial, nitrogenase‐mimicking enzyme upon insertion of a synthetic model complex ([Fe₆S₉(SEt)₂]^4?; designated Fe₆^RHH) into the catalytic component of nitrogenase (designated NifDK^apo). Two Fe₆^RHH clusters were inserted into NifDK^apo, rendering the conformation of the resultant protein (designated NifDK^Fe) similar to the one upon insertion of native M‐clusters. NifDK^Fe can work together with the reductase component of nitrogenase to reduce C₂H₂ in an ATP‐dependent reaction. It can also act as an enzyme on its own in the presence of Eu^IIDTPA, displaying a strong activity in C₂H₂ reduction while demonstrating an ability to reduce CN^? to C₁–C₃ hydrocarbons in an ATP‐independent manner. The successful outcome of this work provides the proof of concept and underlying principles for continued search of novel enzymatic activities based on this approach.     

Spectroscopic Characterization of an Eight‐Iron Nitrogenase Cofactor Precursor that Lacks the “9th Sulfur”

Nitrogenases catalyze the reduction of N₂ to NH₄⁺ at its cofactor site. Designated the M‐cluster, this [MoFe₇S₉C(R‐homocitrate)] cofactor is synthesized via the transformation of a [Fe₄S₄] cluster pair into an [Fe₈S₉C] precursor (designated the L‐cluster) prior to insertion of Mo and homocitrate. We report the characterization of an eight‐iron cofactor precursor (designated the L*‐cluster), which is proposed to have the composition [Fe₈S₈C] and lack the “9^th sulfur” in the belt region of the L‐cluster. Our X‐ray absorption and electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) analyses strongly suggest that the L*‐cluster represents a structural homologue to the l ‐cluster except for the missing belt sulfur. The absence of a belt sulfur from the L*‐cluster may prove beneficial for labeling the catalytically important belt region, which could in turn facilitate investigations into the reaction mechanism of nitrogenases.     

X‐ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy Applied to Nitrogenase and Related Models: Experimental Evidence for a Spin‐Coupled Molybdenum(III) Center

Nitrogenase enzymes catalyze the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen to ammonia utilizing a Mo‐7Fe‐9S‐C active site, the so‐called FeMoco cluster. FeMoco and an analogous small‐molecule (Et₄N)[(Tp)MoFe₃S₄Cl₃] cubane have both been proposed to contain unusual spin‐coupled Mo^III sites with an S(Mo)=1/2 non‐Hund configuration at the Mo atom. Herein, we present Fe and Mo L₃‐edge X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy of the (Et₄N)[(Tp)MoFe₃S₄Cl₃] cubane and Fe L_2,3‐edge XMCD spectroscopy of the MoFe protein (containing both FeMoco and the 8Fe‐7S P‐cluster active sites). As the P‐clusters of MoFe protein have an S=0 total spin, these are effectively XMCD‐silent at low temperature and high magnetic field, allowing for FeMoco to be selectively probed by Fe L_2,3‐edge XMCD within the intact MoFe protein. Further, Mo L₃‐edge XMCD spectroscopy of the cubane model has provided experimental support for a local S(Mo)=1/2 configuration, demonstrating the power and selectivity of XMCD.     

On the reduced and oxidized forms of the FeMo- cofactor of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase

Reduced and oxidized forms of the FeMo- cofactor of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase are examined theoretically within the intermediate neglect of differential overlap model. The results obtained favor one of the experimentally suggested modes of contraction of the metal system which results in an expansion of the central cavity of the cofactor. The bond index analysis indicates marked changes in the Mo coordination upon electron addition which may contribute to an opening of the Mo atom as a possible binding site at the advanced stages of the reduction process. In this work we also compare the 39- and 41-electron [MoFe₇] core as possible native resting states, both compatible with known spin and M?ssbauer spectroscopies. Received: 19 March 1997 / Accepted: 8 May 1997     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Acetylene Reduction with Europium Amalgam Catalyzed by Isolated Active Center of Nitrogenase

The reaction kinetics of C₂H₂ reduction with europium amalgam (Eu/Hg) catalyzed by nitrogenase active center separated from the enzyme, the molybdenum–iron–sulfur cluster [MoFe₇S₉ · homocitrate] (FeMoco), was studied. The dependence of the rates of ethylene and ethane formation on the concentrations of catalyst, substrate, protonating agent, and amalgam was studied. The stereospecificity of the reaction was studied by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. It was found that the reaction occurred at the amalgam surface via the adsorption of the compound [FeMoco · PhSH]. Upon reduction, this compound can simultaneously coordinate several substrate molecules to activate them for the subsequent reactions. A study of the IR spectra of the gas phase of the reaction demonstrated that cis-1,2-dideuterioethylene is the main product of C₂D₂ reduction. Taking into account this fact and the dependence of the reaction rate on the concentration of a protonating agent, we concluded that substrate molecules bound to the cofactor underwent protonation by intramolecular hydrogen transfer from the iron or sulfur atoms of FeMoco to coordinated C₂H₂.     

An unexpected P-cluster like intermediate en route to the nitrogenase FeMo-co

The nitrogenase MoFe protein contains two different FeS centers, the P-cluster and the iron–molybdenum cofactor (FeMo-co). The former is a [Fe₈S₇] center responsible for conveying electrons to the latter, a [MoFe₇S₉C-(R)-homocitrate] species, where N₂ reduction takes place. NifB is arguably the key enzyme in FeMo-co assembly as it catalyzes the fusion of two [Fe₄S₄] clusters and the insertion of carbide and sulfide ions to build NifB-co, a [Fe₈S₉C] precursor to FeMo-co. Recently, two crystal structures of NifB proteins were reported, one containing two out of three [Fe₄S₄] clusters coordinated by the protein which is likely to correspond to an early stage of the reaction mechanism. The other one was fully complemented with the three [Fe₄S₄] clusters (RS, K1 and K2), but was obtained at lower resolution and a satisfactory model was not obtained. Here we report improved processing of this crystallographic data. At odds with what was previously reported, this structure contains a unique [Fe₈S₈] cluster, likely to be a NifB-co precursor resulting from the fusion of K1- and K2-clusters. Strikingly, this new [Fe₈S₈] cluster has both a structure and coordination sphere geometry reminiscent of the fully reduced P-cluster (P^N-state) with an additional μ²-bridging sulfide ion pointing toward the RS cluster. Comparison of available NifB structures further unveils the plasticity of this protein and suggests how ligand reorganization would accommodate cluster loading and fusion in the time-course of NifB-co synthesis.

The K-cluster of NifB as a key intermediate in the synthesis of the nitrogenase active site supports [Fe₄S₄] cluster fusion occurs before carbide and sulfide insertion and displays ligand spatial arrangement reminiscent to that of the P-cluster.     

Investigation of single MoFe3S4 cubane cluster: I. First successful synthesis by spontaneous self-assembly reaction and structure of (Et4N) [MoFe3S4(Et2NCSS)5]CH3CN

A single MoFe₃S₄ cubane-like cluster compound has been synthesized through spontaneous self-assembly of simple inorganic salts with organosulfur ligand for the first time. (Et₄N)-(MoFe₃S₄(Et₂NCSS)₅] CH₃CN(1) is quite stable in air. The crystal of 1 is monoclinic with space group P2/c, a=22.897 (3)Å, b= 12.399 (2)Å, c=20.928 (4)Å, β=97.15 (1)°, and Z=4. A full matrix least-squares refinement with 6725 unique reflections for all nonhydrogen atoms gives R=0.068. The anion of 1 is the first isolated single MoFe₃S₄ cubane cluster with core oxidation state [MoFe₃S₄]⁴⁺. The distance between the two 6-coordinate metal atoms (Mo, Fe) is 2.624 Å, which is the shortest M-M' bond observed for Mo-Fe-S clusters so far and the only one shorter than similar distances in FeMo-cofactor. The bond orders of this anion were calculated by EHMO method and the results coincide with the general rule. The structural feature and the unusual stability of 1 can be attributed to the bidentate chelating effect of Et₂NCSS-, which leads to high coordination of metal atoms and the various ligated types.     

[MoFe3S4]3+ and [MoFe3S4]2+ cubane clusters containing a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl molybdenum moiety

A series of organometallic molybdenum/iron/sulfur clusters of the general formula [Cp¹MoFe₃S₄L_n]^m (Cp¹ = η⁵-C₅Me₅; L = S^tBu, SPh, Cl, I, n = 3, m = 1−; L_n = I₂(P^tBu₃), m = 0; L = 2,6-diisopropylphenylisocyanide (ArNC), n = 7, m = 1+) have been synthesized. A cubane cluster (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄(S^tBu)₃] (2) was isolated from a self-assembly reaction of Cp¹Mo(S^tBu)₃ (1), FeCl₃, LiS^tBu, and S₈ followed by cation exchange with PPh₄Br in CH₃CN, while an analogous cluster (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄(SPh)₃] (3) was obtained from the Cp¹MoCl₄/FeCl₃/LiSPh/PPh₄Br reaction system or from a ligand substitution reaction of 2 with PhSH. Treatment of 2 with benzoyl chloride gave rise to (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄Cl₃] (4), which was in turn converted to (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄I₃] (5) by the reaction with NaI. A neutral cubane cluster Cp¹MoFe₃S₄I₂(P^tBu₃) (6) was generated upon treating 5 with P^tBu₃. Although reduction of 4 by cobaltocene under the presence of ArNC resulted in a disproportionation of the cubane core to give Fe₄S₄(ArNC)₉Cl (7), a similar reduction reaction of 5 produced [Cp¹MoFe₃S₄(ArNC)₇]I (8), where the MoFe₃S₄ core was retained. The crystal structures of 4–6, and 8 were determined by the X-ray analysis.     

Differential Reduction of CO2 by Molybdenum and Vanadium Nitrogenases

The molybdenum and vanadium nitrogenases are two homologous enzymes with distinct structural and catalytic features. Previously, it was demonstrated that the V nitrogenase was nearly 700 times more active than its Mo counterpart in reducing CO to hydrocarbons. Herein, a similar discrepancy between the two nitrogenases in the reduction of CO₂ is reported, with the V nitrogenase being capable of reducing CO₂ to CO, CD₄, C₂D₄, and C₂D₆, and its Mo counterpart only capable of reducing CO₂ to CO. Furthermore, it is shown that the V nitrogenase may direct the formation of CD₄ in part via CO₂‐derived CO, but that it does not catalyze the formation of C₂D₄ and C₂D₆ along this route. The exciting observation of a V nitrogenase‐catalyzed C? C coupling with CO₂ as the origin of the building blocks adds another interesting reaction to the catalytic repertoire of this unique enzyme system. The differential activities of the V and Mo nitrogenases in CO₂ reduction provide an important framework for systematic investigations of this reaction in the future.     

Investigation of single MoFe3S4 cubane-like clusters: IV. Synthesis and structure of a novel doublybridged single cubane-like cluster compound MoFe3S4(μ-Me2dtc)2(Me2dtc)4·2CH3CN

By reacting (NH₄)₂MoS₄, FeCl₂ and Me₂dtcNa at room temperature, we have synthesized in one pot two single cubane-like cluster compounds, MoFe₃S₄(Me₂dtc)₅·CH₂Cl₂ (1) and MoFe₃S₄-(Me₂dtc)₆·2CH₃CN (3), which were separated by stepwise crystallization. The structure of 3 was solved and refined for 5183 reflections to final R value of 0.069. Compound 3 is a novel cluster possessing the highest core oxidation state [MoFe₃S₄]⁶⁺ and contains two Me₂dtc bridges. The structural feature of 3 is reported and the observation that several single cubane-like clusters containing various oxidation states can coexist in an assembly system is discussed.     

The different kinetic and mechanistic behaviors of molybdenum and tungsten in the reduction of tris(benzene‐1,2‐dithiolato)Mo(VI) and W(VI) complexes by ascorbic acid in aqueous media

The mono‐electronic reduction of tris(benzene‐1,2‐dithiolato)Mo(VI) and W(VI) complexes (ML₃: M = Mo, W; L = S₂C₆H^2?₄, S₂C₆H₃CH^2?₃) to their anionic forms ML^?₃ by L (+)‐ascorbic acid (H₂A) has been studied in tetrahydrofurane (THF):water and THF:methanol by means of diode‐array, stopped‐flow, and mass spectrometry–electrospray ionization (MS‐ESI) spectroscopy. The kinetic study in methanol demonstrates that the reaction is first order in each reactant, the electron transfer being rate limiting. This fact was assessed by the absence of a primary saline effect and by the correlation observed between the activation free enthalpy (ΔG^≠) and the reduction potentials measured by cyclic voltamperometry. In aqueous media, Mo(VI)‐tris(dithiolenes) also reduce to their Mo(V) anionic forms. The reaction obeys the rate law ? d[ML₃]/dt = (k_S+k_A[H₂A]_T)[ML₃] (M = Mo), in agreement with a parallel kinetic scheme involving the reduction of complexes by ascorbic acid (k_A) and by interaction with the solvent (k_S). Unexpectedly, the W(VI) complexes were not reduced by excess hydrogen ascorbate in the presence of water. These compounds underwent an extremely rapid autoreduction, which initially yielded an oxo W(VI)‐dithiolene and [W(S₂C₆H₄)₃]^?, as assessed by the MS‐ESI spectra. This observation suggests that tungsten tris(dithiolenes) are capable of coordinating water efficiently, undergoing further reduction after ligand displacement. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 279–291, 2011     

Structural and Photophysical Study on Heterobimetallic Complexes with d8–d10 Interactions Supported by Carborane Ligands: Theoretical Analysis of the Emissive Behaviour

Heterobimetallic complexes of formula [M{(PPh₂)₂C₂B₉H₁₀}(S₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)M′(PPh₃)] (M=Pd, Pt; M′=Au, Ag, Cu) and [Ni{(PPh₂)₂C₂B₉H₁₀}(S₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)Au(PPh₃)] were obtained from the reaction of [M{(PPh₂)₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀}(S₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)] (M=Pd, Pt) with [M′(PPh₃)]⁺ (M′=Au, Ag, Cu) or by one‐pot synthesis from [(SH)₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀], (PPh₂)₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀, NiCl₂ ? 6 H₂O, and [Au(PPh₃)]⁺. They display d⁸–d¹⁰ intermetallic interactions and emit red light in the solid state at 77 K. Theoretical studies on [M{(PPh₂)₂C₂B₉H₁₀}(S₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)Au(PPh₃)] (M=Pd, Pt, Ni) attribute the luminescence to ligand (thiolate, L)‐to‐“P₂‐M‐S₂” (ML′) charge‐transfer (LML′CT) transitions for M=Pt and to metal (M)‐to‐“P₂‐M‐S₂” (ML′) charge‐transfer (MML′CT) transitions for M=Ni, Pd.     

Synthesis and Characterization of MoFe3S4 and Mo2Fe2S4 Single Cubanes

The synthesis of multimetallic M/S clusters by the reductive coupling of dimeric building blocks appears to be of general utility. In this paper we describe the synthesis and characterization of new single cubanes with cores such as [Mo₂Fe₂S₄]²⁺ and [MoFe₃S₄]^3+,2+.     

Catalytic Reduction of CN−, CO,and CO2 by Nitrogenase Cofactors in Lanthanide‐Driven Reactions

Nitrogenase cofactors can be extracted into an organic solvent to catalyze the reduction of cyanide (CN^?), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) without using adenosine triphosphate (ATP), when samarium(II) iodide (SmI₂) and 2,6‐lutidinium triflate (Lut‐H) are employed as a reductant and a proton source, respectively. Driven by SmI₂, the cofactors catalytically reduce CN^? or CO to C₁–C₄ hydrocarbons, and CO₂ to CO and C₁–C₃ hydrocarbons. The C? C coupling from CO₂ indicates a unique Fischer–Tropsch‐like reaction with an atypical carbonaceous substrate, whereas the catalytic turnover of CN^?, CO, and CO₂ by isolated cofactors suggests the possibility to develop nitrogenase‐based electrocatalysts for the production of hydrocarbons from these carbon‐containing compounds.     

Catalytic Reduction of CN−, CO,and CO2 by Nitrogenase Cofactors in Lanthanide‐Driven Reactions

Nitrogenase cofactors can be extracted into an organic solvent to catalyze the reduction of cyanide (CN⁻), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) without using adenosine triphosphate (ATP), when samarium(II) iodide (SmI₂) and 2,6‐lutidinium triflate (Lut‐H) are employed as a reductant and a proton source, respectively. Driven by SmI₂, the cofactors catalytically reduce CN⁻ or CO to C₁–C₄ hydrocarbons, and CO₂ to CO and C₁–C₃ hydrocarbons. The C C coupling from CO₂ indicates a unique Fischer–Tropsch‐like reaction with an atypical carbonaceous substrate, whereas the catalytic turnover of CN⁻, CO, and CO₂ by isolated cofactors suggests the possibility to develop nitrogenase‐based electrocatalysts for the production of hydrocarbons from these carbon‐containing compounds.     

Sc0.43(2)Rb2Mo15S19, a partially Sc‐filled variant of Rb2Mo15S19

The structure of scandium dirubidium pentadecamolybdenum nonadecasulfide, Sc_{0.43 (2)}Rb₂Mo₁₅S₁₉, constitutes a partially Sc‐filled variant of Rb₂Mo₁₅S₁₉ [Picard, Saillard, Gougeon, Noel & Potel (2000), J. Solid State Chem. 155 , 417–426]. In the two compounds, which both crystallize in the Rc space group, the structural motif is characterized by a mixture of Mo₆Sⁱ₈S^a₆ and Mo₉Sⁱ₁₁S^a₆ cluster units (`i' is inner and `a' is apical) in a 1:1 ratio. The two components are interconnected through interunit Mo—S bonds. The cluster units are centred at Wyckoff positions 6b and 6a (point‐group symmetries and 32, respectively). The Rb⁺ cations occupy large voids between the different cluster units. The Rb and the two inner S atoms lie on sites with 3. symmetry (Wyckoff site 12c), and the Mo and S atoms of the median plane of the Mo₉S₁₁S₆ cluster unit lie on sites with .2 symmetry (Wyckoff site 18e). A unique feature of the structure is a partially filled octahedral Sc site with symmetry. Extended Hückel tight‐binding calculations provide an understanding of the variation in the Mo—Mo distances within the Mo clusters induced by the increase in the cationic charge transfer due to the insertion of Sc.     

Sigma‐ versus Pi‐Koordination in Bis‐indenyl‐ und Bis‐2‐methallyl‐Imidokomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs: DF‐Rechnungen und Kristallstrukturanalyse

Sigma‐ versus Pi‐Coordination in Bis‐indenyl‐ and Bis‐2‐methallyl Imido Complexes of Hexavalent Molybdenum and Tungsten: DF‐Calculations and Crystal Structure Analysis Bis‐indenyl and bis‐2‐methallyl imido complexes [(C₉H₇)₂M(NR)₂] (M = Mo, W; R = tert‐butyl, mesityl) 1 — 4 and [(H₃C‐C₃H₄)₂M(NtBu)₂] (M = Mo, W) 6 , 7 have been prepared starting from [Mo(NtBu)₂Cl₂] or [M(NR)₂Cl₂L₂] (M = W, R = tBu, L = py; M = Mo, W, R = Mes, L₂ = dme) and indenyl lithium or 2‐methallyl magnesium bromide, respectively. According to spectroscopic data and the crystal structure of 4 there are two different coordination modes of the indenyl ligands, [(η³‐C₉H₇)M(NR)₂(η¹‐C₉H₇)], in solution as well as in the solid state. These compounds show fluxional rearrangements in solution, namely σ, π‐exchange of η¹‐ and η³‐coordinated ligands. Similar behavior has been observed for the 2‐methallyl complexes 6 and 7 in solution. In agreement with experimental observations, DF calculations on models of 6 strongly suggest a (σ+π)‐coordination mode of the η³‐coordinated ligand.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Redox Properties of [{(η5-C5H5)Co(S2C6H4)}2Mo(CO)2], a Novel Metalladithiolene Cluster

Metal–metal bond formation by a cobaltadithiolene complex was observed for the first time in the reaction of [Co(η⁵-C₅H₅)(S₂C₆H₄)] with [Mo(CO)₃(py)₃] and BF₃ to give the Co-Mo-Co cluster 1 . Cyclic voltammetry reveals that 1 undergoes two one-electron reduction steps at the Co centers, which is indicative of transmission of the Co−Co electronic interaction through the Mo center.     

Optically Active Transition Metal Complexes. 128 [1] Synthesis,Characterization and Molecular Structures of Cycloheptatrienyl‐Iminphos‐Molybdenum Complexes Differing Only in the Metal Configuration

The chiral‐at‐metal cycloheptatrienyl‐molybdenum complexes (R_Mo, S_C)‐[(η⁷‐C₇H₇)Mo(iminphos)(CO)]BF₄ ( 2a ) and (S_Mo, S_C)‐[(η⁷‐C₇H₇)Mo(iminphos)(CO)]BF₄ ( 2b ) (iminphos = 2‐[N‐(S)‐1‐phenylethylcarbaldimino]phenyl(diphenyl)phosphane), which only differ in the molybdenum configuration, were prepared and separated by fractional crystallization. The absolute configuration for both diastereomers was determined by X‐ray analysis. ¹H NMR studies demonstrated the configurational lability at the molybdenum centre in solution.     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.