Redox activity and π bonding in a tripodal seven-coordinate molybdenum(VI) tris(amidophenolate).

A tris(aminophenol), tris(2-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxyphenyl)amino-4-methylphenyl)amine, MeClampH6, is prepared in three steps from tri-p-tolylamine. The ligand reacts with dioxomolybdenum(VI) bis(acetylacetonate) to form an oxo-free heptadentate complex, (MeClamp)Mo, with a capped octahedral geometry. The molybdenum is formally in the +6 oxidation state, with significant π donation of the amidophenolates, as judged by intraligand bond distances.