Application of the molybdenum(IV) hydride complexes in cyclohexane solutions to the radiation-catalytic reduction of molecular nitrogen

The two molybdenum(IV) hydride complexes [MoH4(dppe)sub (2)] [dppe = (C6H5)2PCH2CH2P(Csub 6/H5)2 ] and [MoH4(dtpe)2 ] [dtpe=(o-CH3C6H4)2PCH2CHsub (2)P(o-CH3C6H4)2 ] were applied in a process of radiation-catalytic reduction of molecular nitrogen. The yields of ammonia and hydrazine were determined for different concentrations of these complexes in cyclohexane solutions. The mechanism of the reduction of molecular nitrogen by ''gamma-radiation is suggested. It has also been discovered that the [MoH4LL)2 ] complexes are useful in the process of radiation-catalytic fixation and reduction of nitrogen. (author)