Electrophilic and nucleophilic gas phase reactivity of the Janus cluster-based anions [{Mo6Cl8}Cl5□]- (□ = lacuna)

Abstract

The lacunary monocharged anion [{Mo₆Cli8}Cla5□^a]^- presents concomitantly a strongly electrophilic site and a nucleophilic one. This Janus character in terms of reactivity is confirmed by its gas phase reaction with [Br₆Cs₄K]^- to form [{Mo₆Cli8}Cla5Br^a]^2- and by its unusual self-reactivity leading to [{Mo₆Cli8}Cla6]^2- dianions.