Synthesis and characterisation of binuclear oxo molybdenum(V) hypophosphite

Summary A binuclear oxo Mo^V hypophosphite of composition Mo₂O₄(H₂PO₂)₂(H₂O)₂], is prepared by direct reduction of Mo^VI oxide hydrate (MoO₃·H₂O) with hypophosphorus acid in an argon atmosphere, and characterised by i.r., and electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility and cyclic voltammetry measurements.¹H and³¹Pn.m.r., x-ray diffraction and thermal analysis data contribute to its molecular structure elucidation, and a dioxobridged dioxo Mo^V with bidentate hypophosphite ion and water molecule completing the octahedral coordination around each Mo atom is proposed.