Six cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of simple monosaccharides (d-glucose, d-fructose, d-galactose, d-mannose, d-ribose and d-xylose) have been synthesized and characterized by a variety of analytical and spectral methods. Both the solution and solid-state studies have supported the presence of dimeric structures, formed through the cis-MoO 2 moieties and the bridging saccharide units. Solution stability of these complexes as a function of time has also been addressed.