Molybdenum(IV) β-diketonate complexes as highly active catalysts for allylic substitution reactions.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of Mo(IV) bis-β-diketonate ( R diket, R = Me, t Bu, Ph) dichloride (RMoIVCl2) and bistriflate (RMoIV(OTf)2) complexes are reported. All complexes are characterized in solid and solution state by XRD and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the bistriflate complexes constitute highly active catalysts for allylic substitution reactions.