Preparation of hexacoordinating benzimidazole containing ligand and hexakis(benzimidazole–ruthenium(ii)) complex. Molecular structure of C6{CH2-(N-benzimidazole–RuCl2(p-cymene))}6

Abstract

A hexabenzimidazole ligand was synthesised and used to prepare a hexakis{benzimidazole–ruthenium(II)} complex containing six RuCl₂(arene) units of which the X-ray structure analysis shows a helical arrangement with alternating up and down benzymidazole–ruthenium(II) branches attached to a central benzene ring. The reactivity of the prepared complex with phosphite and carbonate was investigated and revealed the weakness of (benzimidazole)N–Ru bonds and the release of the polydentate ligand.