Synthesis of RuCl2(xantphos)L (L = PPh3, P(OPh)3, DMSO) complexes, and their catalytic activity for the addition of carboxylic acids onto olefins

• RuCl2(xantphos)PPh3 was readily synthesised by the mixing of RuCl2(PPh3)3 with xantphos in refluxing CHCl3.
• RuCl2(xantphos)PPh3 was readily converted into RuCl2(xantphos)(P(OPh)3) and RuCl2(xantphos)(DMSO).
• RuCl2(xantphos){P(OPh)3} is the best catalyst for the addition of carboxylic acids with olefins of these three.

Readily synthesis of a series of RuCl2(xantphos)L (L = PPh3, P(OPh)3, DMSO) was achieved. Thus, RuCl2(xantphos)PPh3 was synthesised by the reaction of RuCl2(PPh3)3 with xantphos. PPh3 in this complex is easily exchanged with P(OPh)3 and Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to give RuCl2(xantphos){P(OPh)3} and RuCl2(xantphos)(DMSO), respectively.

RuCl2(xantphos)(PPh3) was readily synthesised from RuCl2(PPh3)3 in refluxing CHCl3, which was converted into RuCl2(xantphos)(P(OPh)3) and RuCl2(xantphos)(DMSO) by the reaction with P(OPh)3 and DMSO, respectively. The catalytic activity of these complexes for the addition of carboxylic acid onto olefins is also described.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide