Transition metal oxo complex

A transition metal oxo complex is a coordination complex containing an oxo ligand. Formally O^2-, an oxo ligand can be bound to one or more metal centers, i.e. it can exist as a terminal or (most commonly) as bridging ligands (Fig. 1). Oxo ligands stabilize high oxidation states of a metal. They are also found in several metalloproteins, for example in molybdenum cofactors and in many iron-containing enzymes. One of the earliest synthetic compounds to incorporate an oxo ligand is potassium ferrate (K₂FeO₄), which was likely prepared by Georg E. Stahl in 1702.