A new six-co-ordinate cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex [Mo(O)(2)(3,5-di-tert
-Busap) (EtOH)], (where 3,5-di-tert-Busap(2)- = the Schiff base dianion 3,5
-di-tert-butyl-N-salicylidene-2-aminophenolate), has been prepared. The. co
mplex is characterised by IR, H-1 and C-13 NMR and UV/vis spectroscopy and
is stable to air, but above 413 K or in non-co-ordinating solvents loses an
ethanol molecule, forming an dimeric compound with an unsymmetrical dioxyg
en bridge as indicated by IR spectroscopy.