Complexes of molybdenum(VI) with organic diacid ligands: The molybdenum(VI)-malonic acid system

Malonic acid (C3O4H4) and MoVI form in aqueous solution two dinuclear dioxo-complexes of which the stability is a function of the pH of the medium. Both complexes have a 1∶1 metal-ligand stoichiometric ratio, and the interconversion may involve a structural rearrangement. Conditional dissociation constants have been determined spectrophotometrically. Saline cryoscopy supports the spectrophotometric results. Salts of [Co(en)3]3+ have been isolated. The ligand behaviour of malonic acid differs partially from that observed for α-polyhydroxy ligands.