Molybdenum(0) complexes with aliphatic aminophosphine pincer ligands have been prepared which are competent for the disproportionation of formic acid, thus representing the first example so far reported of non-noble metal species to catalytically promote such transformation. In general, formic acid disproportionation allows for an alternative access to methyl formate and methanol from renewable resources. MeOH selectivity up to 30% with a TON of 57 could be achieved while operating at atmospheric pressure. Selectivity (37%) and catalyst performance (TON = 69) could be further enhanced when the reaction was performed under hydrogen pressure (60 bars). A plausible mechanism based on experimental evidence is proposed.

中文翻译：

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钼 PNP 配合物促进 HCOOH 歧化为 MeOH

已经制备了具有脂肪族氨基膦钳形配体的钼(0) 配合物，该配合物能够使甲酸歧化，因此代表了迄今为止报道的第一个非贵金属物种催化促进这种转化的例子。一般而言，甲酸歧化允许从可再生资源中替代获取甲酸甲酯和甲醇。在大气压下操作时，可以实现高达 30% 的甲醇选择性和 57 的 TON。当反应在氢气压力 (60 bar) 下进行时，选择性 (37%) 和催化剂性能 (TON = 69) 可以进一步提高。提出了一种基于实验证据的合理机制。