Unexpected lability of the [RuIII(phtpy)Cl3] complex

Abstract

Ruthenium(III) complexes are known for their high stability and inertness. To the best of our knowledge, the only well-characterized example of a labile Ru(III) complex is [Ru^III(edta)(H₂O)] as a consequence of an intramolecular hydrogen bonding leading to the formation of a large opening in the molecule front, thus changing the mechanism from dissociative to associative. Compelling experimental evidence is presented demonstrating that the [Ru^III(phtpy)Cl₃] complex is labile, also indicating that the Ru(III)–phtpy bond is much weaker than expected, in contrast to the strongly π-back-bonding stabilized Ru(II)–phtpy bond.