Formation of a dicationic ruthenium benzyl complex by halide abstraction from a Grubbs-type second-generation benzylidene†
Abstract
A ruthenium benzylidene complex with a neutral bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene was prepared and evaluated in ring-closing metathesis of diallyl substrates. Reaction with AgPF6 to generate a four-coordinate complex produced an unexpected dicationic ruthenium benzyl degradation product through nucleophilic attack of the NHC ligand on the benzylidene carbon.