Reaction of {Ru(PPh3)2Cp}2(µ-C4) with tetracyanoethene: macrocycle formation by intermolecular CN coordination
Abstract
Reactions between {Ru(PPh3)2Cp}2(µ-C4) and C2(CN)4 result in addition of the cyanocarbon to one of the Câ–·C triple bonds and formation of the allylic complex Ru{η3-C(CN)2C[Câ–·C{Ru(PPh3)2Cp}]CC(CN)2} (PPh3)Cp (2). In solution, 2 is in equilibrium with its dimer 3, the X-ray crystal structure of which has been determined. In 3, a ten-membered macrocyclic ring is present, being formed by displacement of the coordinated double bond in one molecule of 2 by a CN group from a second molecule.