Catalytic efficiency of a novel complex of oxoperoxo molybdenum(VI): Synthesis, X-ray structure and alkane oxidation

A new mononuclear oxo–peroxo complex of molybdenum(VI) of the formula [MoO(O2)(phox)2] (where phox = 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)oxazoline) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, infrared, UV–visible and 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy. A monoclinic space group P−1 was determined by X-ray crystallography from single-crystal data of this complex. Complex functions as facile alkane oxidation catalyst with hydrogen peroxide as terminal oxidant at room temperature. The catalyst shows very much efficient reactivity in the oxidation reactions giving high yield, turnover number (TON) and selectivity.