Preparation, isomerization, and reactions of hydride complexes of ruthenium(II)

Abstract

Hydride complexes [Ru(CO)₂XHL₂](X = H or Cl, L = PMe₂Ph or AsMe₂Ph) and their deuteride analogues have been prepared. The complex [Ru(CO)₂H₂(AsMe₂Ph)₂] exists in solution as an equilibrium mixture of isomers. The dideuteride [Ru(CO)₂D₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] exchanges with H₂ in solution: no [Ru(CO)₂DH(PMe₂Ph)₂] is formed, suggesting that exchange occurs via[Ru(CO)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂]. Exchange also occurs with ethene and propene: here [Ru(CO)₂DH(PMe₂Ph)₂]is observed. Ethene is hydrogenated by [Ru(CO)₂H₂L₂], with formation of ethane and complexes [Ru(CO)₂(C₂H₄)L₂], which are reconverted to [Ru(CO)₂H₂L₂] by H₂. The terminal alkenes 1-hexene and 3-phenylpropene are isomerized by [Ru(CO)₂H₂L₂]: for L = AsMe₂Ph, a little hydrogenation of 3-phenylpropene also occurs.