Catalytic Activity and Mechanistic Investigations of the Nitrido Molybdenum Complex [(PPP)Mo(N)(I)] in the Electrochemical Reduction of N₂

In the context of environmental concerns, waste reduction, and energy saving measures, much efforts have recently focused on strategies allowing efficient transformation of N₂ into valuable NR₃ products. We report here the first electrocatalytic transformation of chloroboranes into aminoboranes using a (triphosphine)­Mo-nitrido complex. Based on extensive electrochemical and spectroscopic characterizations, reaction intermediates are identified and a catalytic cycle is proposed, highlighting the crucial role of both solvent and electrolyte.