The cluster–surface analogy: the interaction of norbornene and norbornadiene with low-nuclearity ruthenium carbonyl clusters

Abstract

The thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with norbornene (nbe) and norbornadiene (nbd) leads to the tri- and tetra-ruthenium clusters, [(µ-H)₂Ru₃(CO)₉(µ₃-η¹:η²:η¹-C₇H₈)] 1 and [Ru₄(CO)₁₁(µ₄-η¹:η¹:η²-η²-η²C₇H₆)] 2, respectively; the molecular structures of both clusters show organo-cluster interactions similar to the proposed organo-surface adsorption modes found on the Pt(111) surface, in which the bicyclic ring straddles a trimetallic face, coordinating through one alkenic bond and an agostic C–H⋯M interaction.