A new route to vinylcarbene metal complexes in one step from 2-propyn-1-ols and arene ruthenium(II) derivatives

Abstract

Complex (C₆Me₆)RuCl₂(PMe₃)(1) reacts at room temperature with HCCCR₂OH and NaPF₆in methanol to produce either [(C₆Me₆)Ru{C(OMe)CH₂CR₂OMe} Cl(PMe₃)]PF₆(R = H), (2)]or [(C₆Me₆)Ru{C(OMe)CHCR₂}]PF₆(R ≠ H), (3)–(5)] derivatives via an allenylidene–ruthenium intermediate, electrochemical studies of (3)–(5) show a reversible Ru^III/Ru^II oxidation process and irreversible oxidation of the double bond.