Catalytic Reduction of Hydrazine to Ammonia by a Vanadium Thiolate Complex

Vanadium(III) thiolate complexes, [V(PS3‘ ‘)(Cl)]- [1a; PS3‘ ‘ = P(C6H3-3-Me3Si-2-S)33-] and [V(PS3‘)(Cl)]- [1b; PS3‘ = P(C6H3-5-Me-2-S)33-], were synthesized and characterized. Complex 1a serves as a precursor for the catalytic reduction of hydrazine to ammonia. The spectroscopic and electrochemical studies indicate that hydrazine is bound and activated in a VII state.