Stoichiometric and Catalytic Conversion of 1-Adamantyl Azide to 1-Adamantyl Isocyanate by [Cr(CO)3Cp]2 and Reaction with Mo(CO)3(PiPr3)2 To Form Mo(κ2-iPr3P═NN═NAd)(CO)3(PiPr3)

The reaction of 1-adamantyl azide (N3Ad) with [Cr(CO)3Cp]2 under Ar results in conversion of N3Ad to 1-adamantyl isocyanate (OCNAd) and [Cr(CO)2Cp]2. Two reaction intermediates were detected: 3Cr2(CO)5Cp2 and an electron spin resonance active complex proposed to be •Cr(CO)2(O═C═NAd)Cp. Under a CO atmosphere, 3Cr2(CO)5Cp2 regenerates [Cr(CO)3Cp]2 and approximately five turnovers can be achieved. Hydrogenation of N3Ad by HMo(CO)3Cp yields H2NAd, N2, and [Mo(CO)3Cp]2. N3Ad reacts with Mo(CO)3(PiPr3) to form Mo(N3Ad)(CO)3(PiPr3)2, which slowly isomerizes to Mo(κ2-iPr3PN3Ad)(CO)3(PiPr3), the structure of which is reported.