Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium hydride and halide complexes with bis(2-mercapto-1-arylimidazolyl)borate ligands

Reactions of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] with NaBmR (BmR = bis(2-mercapto-1-arylimidazolyl)borates, R = 4-chloro-phenyl; 4-methyl-phenyl; 4-nitro-phenyl) in refluxing THF afforded hydrido ruthenium complexes [RuH(CO)(PPh3)(κ3-H,S,S′-BmR)] (1–3). Treatment of 1 in refluxing chloroform gave ruthenium chloride complex [RuCl(CO)(κ3-H,S,S′-BmR)(PPh3)] (4). Interactions of 1 with Br2 or I2 in THF at room temperature led to isolation of ruthenium bromide complex [RuBr(CO)(κ3-H,S,S′-BmR)(PPh3)] (5) and ruthenium iodide complex [RuI(CO)(κ3-H,S,S′-BmR)(PPh3)] (6), respectively. Complexes 1–6 were characterized by microanalyses, IR, and (1H, 11B, 13C, 31P) NMR spectroscopies. The molecular structures of 1, 2, 5, and 6 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Series hydrido ruthenium complexes with bis(2-mercapto-1-arylimidazolyl)borate ligands were prepared. Conversion of the ruthenium hydride complex to its halogeno analogues was observed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A series of ruthenium hydride complexes with bis(2-mercapto-1-arylimidazolyl)borate ligands was synthesized.
► Halogen substitution of RuH rather than BH took place under mild conditions.
► X-ray crystallography was performed on the synthesized complexes.