A molecular propeller with three quadruply-bonded blades

Reaction of the trinegative tricarboxylate anion 1,3,5-tricarboxylatobenzene (the anion of trimesic acid) and Mo2(DAniF)3Cl2 (DAniF=N,N′-di-p-anisylformamidinate) under reducing conditions produces the propeller-shaped hexanuclear complex [Mo2(DAniF)3]3(1,3,5-C6H3(CO2)3). Its structure has been established by X-ray crystallography; 1H NMR is also consistent with the presence of highly symmetrical species in solution. The three quadruply-bonded Mo–Mo distances are 2.082(4), 2.087(3), and 2.090(4) Å. This neutral complex is electrochemically active.