Ruthenium(VI) nitrido complexes with a sterically bulky bidentate Schiff base ligand

Ruthenium(VI) complexes with a sterically bulky bidentate Schiff base ligand, 2-[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl-4,6-dibromophenolate (L−), have been synthesized and their reactivity studied. Treatment of [Bun4N][Ru(N)Cl4] in tetrahydrofuran with 2 equivalents of NaL afforded cis-[Ru(N)Cl(L)2] (1) that reacted with Ag(OTf) (OTf− = triflate) in acetone to give trans-[Ru(N)(H2O)L2][OTf] (2). Reactions of complex 1 with Me3NO and elemental sulfur afforded cis-[Ru(NO)(Cl)L2] (3) and cis-[Ru(NS)(Cl)L2] (4), respectively. Reaction of complex 1 with Me3SiN3 in MeCN afforded [Ru(MeCN)(Cl)L2], which could alternatively be prepared by photolysis of complex 3 in CH2Cl2–MeCN with UV light. The crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 have been determined.

Reactions of cis-[Ru(N)(Cl)L2] (HL = 2-[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]-methyl-4,6-dibromophenol) with Ag(OTf), Me3NO and S8 gave trans-[Ru(N)(H2O)L2][OTf], cis-[Ru(NO)(Cl)L2] and cis-[Ru(NS)(Cl)L2], respectively.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Ru(VI) nitrido complexes with a bulky bidentate Schiff base ligand.
► Structurally characterized Ru(VI) nitrido complexes.
► Reactions of Ru(VI) nitrido complexes with Me3NO and S8.