Improved synthesis, solution and solid-state structure, and reactivity of [Ru2(µ-SePh)2(CO)6]

Abstract

The reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with diphenyl diselenide (1 : 1 Ru : Se ratio) in refluxing tetrahydrofuran gives a mixture of [Ru₂(µ-SePh)₂(CO)₆]1 and [{Ru(µ-SePh)₂(CO)₂}_n]2 from which complex 1 can be obtained in 50% yield. Its solid-state structure has been determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study [Monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a= 17.305(7), b= 16.798(5), c= 15.254(3)Å, β= 101.28(2)°, Z= 8] which revealed an anti configuration of the phenyl selenide bridges. Infrared and variable-temperature NMR studies indicate that only the anti isomer is present in solution. The reaction of complex 1 with triphenylphosphine gives a 2 : 1 mixture of anti- and syn-[Ru₂(µ-SePh)₂(CO)₄(PPh₃)₂]3.