Synthetic and structural studies on organoruthenium–indium complexes

Abstract

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the triruthenium–indium complex [In{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅)}₃]1 are described. Complex 1 comprises a trigonal-planar indium centre bonded to three Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅) fragments by unsupported In–Ru bonds. The magnitude of the In–Ru bond lengths are discussed with respect to π bonding vs. ionic bonding in this and related compounds, and the possibility of π bonding is also addressed with regard to the orientations of the Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅) fragments in 1. The syntheses of the diruthenium complexes [InCl{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅)}₂] and [N(PPh₃)₂][InCl₂{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅ H₅)}₂] are also described together with the X-ray crystal structure of the former.