Synthesis and structure of a seven electron triangular cluster complex [Mo3S4Cl3(dppe)2(PEt3]

The triangular six-electron cluster complex [Mo₃S₄Cl₄(PEt₃)_x(thf)₅] produced by the excision reaction of Mo₃S₇Cl₄ with triethypholsphine is reduced by magnesium at – 20°C. Subsequent addition of dppe (=1,2-his(diphenylphosphino)ethane) to the reduced species affords a seven-electron triangular cluster complex [Mo₃S₄Cl₃(dppe)₂(PEt₃)]. The complex crystallizes in the space groupCm witha=17.170(6),b-19.878(6),c = 13.289(5) = 121.73(2)°,V = 3858(2) A³, andZ = 2. The structure shows an almost equilateral triangle of three molybdenum atoms capped by a Sulfur atom and bridged by three sulfur atoms. The Mo Mo distances, ranging from 2.804(1) to 2.809(1) A are elongated ca. 0.04 A as compared with lose of a six-electron cluster complex with drape ligands. Two molybdenum atoms have a chlorine and a dppe ligands, and the other molybdenum atom bas a chlorine and a triethylphosphine ligands. The UV-Vis spectrum has a characteristic broad hand centered at 1410 n m, which is not observed for six-electron clusters. The ESR spectrum indicates the presence of an unpaired electron consistent with the formulation of the compound as a seven-electron cluster.Dedicated to Professor fiaxi Lu on the occasion of his 80th birthday.