MoO(S2)(S2CNR2)2 Complexes (R = Me, Et, Pr, Bu): Improved Syntheses and Thermogravimetric and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies

The reactions of MoO (S2CNR2)2 [R=Me, Et, Pr, Bu; formed in situ from the reactions of cis-MoO2(S2CNR2)2 and PR′3 (R′= Ph, Bu)] and propylene sulfide in 1,2-dichloroethane (for R = Me) or dichloromethane (others) constitute convenient, high-yield syntheses for the blue, seven-coordinate complexes MoO (S2)(S2CNR2)2 The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, electronic and 1H and 13C n.m.r. spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Thermogravimetric analyses indicate decomposition of the complexes to Mo2O2(μ-S)2(S2CNR2)2 at temperatures greater than 160°C.