Addition of mild electrophiles to a Mo[triple bond]N triple bond and nitrile synthesis via metal-mediated N-atom transfer to acid chlorides

The addition of mild electrophiles to the anionic terminal Mo-nitride {(t)BuOCO]Motriple bond]N]Na(DMF)}(2) (1) and the synthesis of nitriles via metal-mediated N-atom transfer is reported. The X-ray structure of a pivaloylimido intermediate indicates the presence of a weakly coordinated DMF molecule. Kinetic studies confirm that cyclometalation and DMF dissociation occur prior to nitrile extrusion.