trans- and cis-Ru(II) aminophosphine complexes: Syntheses, X-ray structures and catalytic activity in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives

► A novel Ru(II) complex with P-N ligand derived from thiophene-2-methylamine was synthesized. ► The structure of trans- and cis-[Ru((PPh2)2NCH2-C4H3S)2Cl2] were determined by X-ray diffraction. ► The trans- Ru(II) complex provides high catalytic activity in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives.