Synthesis, crystal structure and catalytic activities of [RuIII(bbpc)(PPh3)Cl][H2bbpc = 1,2-bis(4-tert-butylpyridine-2-carboxamido)-4,5-dichlorobenzene]

Abstract

The compound H₂bbpc [1,2-bis(4-tert-butylpyridine-2-carboxamido)-4,5-dichlorobenzene], which has good solubility in organic solvents, has been prepared. Reaction of [Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂] with H₂bbpc in ethanol and in the presence of triethylamine gave [Ru^III(bbpc)(PPh₃)Cl], the crystal structure of which has been determined. This complex is an active catalyst for alkene epoxidation by PhIO, cyclopropanation of styrene by ethyl diazoacetate and aziridination of styrene by PhINO₂SC₆H₄Me-p. Its cyclic voltammogram in dichloromethane showed a reversible Ru^III–Ru^II couple at –0.55 V and an oxidation couple at 0.32 V.