Synthesis and ligand modification chemistry of a molybdenum dinitrogen complex: redox and chemical activity of a bis(imino)pyridine ligand.

The bis(imino)pyridine 2,6-(2,6-iPr2-C6H3N=CPh)2-C5H3N ((iPr)BPDI) molybdenum dinitrogen complex, [{((iPr)BPDI)Mo(N2)}2(μ2,η(1),η(1)-N2)] has been prepared and contains both weakly (terminal) and modestly (bridging) activated N2 ligands. Addition of ammonia resulted in sequential N-H bond activations, thus forming bridging parent imido (μ-NH) ligands with concomitant reduction of one of the imines of the supporting chelate. Using primary and secondary amines, model intermediates have been isolated that highlight the role of metal-ligand cooperativity in NH3 oxidation.