Dioxoidomolybdenum(VI) complex featuring a 2,4-difluoro-substituted amine bis(phenolate) ligand

Synthetic complexes containing a cis-[MoO2]2+ core are well-established models for the molybdenum co-factor (Moco). Here we report the crystal structure of such a model complex bearing a tetradentate amine bis(phenolate) ligand with fluorine substituents on the phenolate rings, namely, [2,2′-({[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]azanediyl}bis(methylene))bis(4,6-difluorophenolato)]dioxoidomolybdenum(VI)), [Mo(C18H18F4N2O2)O2]. Distortion from idealized octahedral symmetry about the Mo center is evident in the large O=Mo=O angle [108.54 (4)°] and the small N–Mo–Ophenolate angles [79.79 (4), 81.21 (3), 77.83 (3), and 84.59 (3)°]. The dihedral angle between the phenolate rings is 60.06 (4)°, and π–π stacking is observed between aromatic rings related by inversion (1 − x, 1 − y, 1 − z). The lower data-collection temperature of 150 K vs room-temperature data collection reported previously [KOWXIF; Cao et al. (2014). Transit. Met. Chem. 39, 933–937] and larger 2θ range for data collection (5.8–66.6° versus 6–54.96°) led to a structure with lower R 1 and ωR 2 values (0.019 and 0.049 vs 0.0310 and 0.0566 for KOWXIF). Comparison of the metrical parameters with KOWXIF suggests that this dataset offers a more realistic depiction of bonding within the MoVI=O moiety.

Environmental Conditions in TT 209, Luxor. The Case of a Theban Tomb Subject to Periodic Flooding

TT 209 was built in a wadi, a location that means it has been affected by flash floods since ancient times. The team in charge of its study and conservation has initiated a systematic programme of environmental data collection (temperature and relative humidity) in order to understand the natural conditions of the tomb and any transformations caused by archaeological work in its underground chambers, as well as to inform future conservation. These statistics can also be useful for excavation and conservation programmes in nearby tombs whose architectonic structure is similar and have also suffered from exposure to water damage.