An improved synthesis and some reactions of a hydrido-bridged ruthenium–manganese complex

Abstract

An improved synthesis of the heterodimetallic complex [RuMn(µ-H)(µ-PPh₂)(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CO)₅]1 is described and the reactions of this complex with alkynes RCCR (R = Ph, H or CO₂Me) and with tertiary phosphines have been studied. Complexes containing µ-alkenyl ligands are obtained from the reaction of 1 with alkynes and the crystal structure of one of these, [RuMn{µ-σ:η²-C(Ph)CHPh}(µ-PPh₂)(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CO)₄] has been determined by X-ray analysis; the alkenyl ligand is σ bonded to Ru and π bonded to Mn, while the PPh₂ group asymmetrically bridges the Ru–Mn bond [2.729(2)Å]. Tertiary phosphines react with 1 to give complexes which are monosubstituted at the manganese atom.