Molybdenum(VI)–oxodiperoxo complex containing an oxazine ligand: synthesis, X-ray studies, and catalytic activity

A new mononuclear molybdenum(VI)–oxodiperoxo complex [MoO(O₂)₂(phox)] with a simple bidentate ligand, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-1,3-oxazine (Hphox), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, infrared, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. A triclinic space group P-1 was determined by X-ray crystallography from single-crystal data of this complex. The resulting complex functioned as a facile sulfide oxidation catalyst with urea hydrogen peroxide as terminal oxidant at room temperature. The catalyst showed efficient reactivity in oxidation of sulfides giving high yield and selectivity.