Dialkyl, diaryl, and alkyl aryl complexes of ruthenium(II)

Abstract

Whereas HgR₂(R = methyl or aryl) converts trans-[Ru(CO)₂Cl₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] exclusively into [Ru(CO)₂R(Cl)(PMe₂Ph)₂] and does not react with cis-[Ru(CO)₂Cl₂(PMe₂Ph)₂], LiR reacts with either isomer to yield [Ru(CO)₂R₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] and also catalyses conversion of the trans isomer into the cis. The initial attack by R^– is believed to be on a carbonyl ligand. Treatment of [Ru(CO)₂R(Cl)(PMe₂Ph)₂] with LiR′ yields mixed complexes [Ru(CO)₂R(R′)(PMe₂Ph)₂]. In all cases the two organic ligands are mutually cis. The dimethyl complex undergoes reversible carbonylation to form mono- and di-acetyl complexes, and [Ru(CO)₂Me(Ph)(PMe₂Ph)₂] also forms an acetyl complex, but aryl ligands are unaffected by treatment with CO.