Alumina/chloroform-promoted conversion of the ruthenacycles [Ru(CH2CMe2CH2)(η6-C6Me6)(PRPh2)](R = Me or Ph) into the chloro orthometallated derivatives [Ru(C6H4PRPh)Cl(η6-C6Me6)]

Abstract

Interaction of the ruthenacyclobutanes [[graphic omitted]H₂)(η⁶-C₆Me₆)(PRPh₂)](R = Me 1 or Ph 3) with neutral alumina causes the decomposition of the metallacyclic moiety, with the formation of 1,1-dimethylcyclopropane, neopentane and alumina-adsorbed metal complexes which lead to the corresponding chloro orthometallated compounds [[graphic omitted]RPh)Cl(η⁶-C₆Me₆)](R = Me 2 or Ph 4) by reaction with CHCl₃. The X-ray crystal structure of complex 2 reveals the presence of clathrated benzene. Crystal data: space group P2₁/c, a= 14.068(14), b= 15.392(13), c= 13.064(14)Å, β= 116.38(6)°, Z= 4, R= 0.0510.