A new approach to the stabilization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) coordination to metals: Studies of (η5-C5H4CH2Ph)Ru(CO)2(η1(S)-DBT)+

One approach to the removal of sulfur-containing compounds from transportation fuels involves the coordination of such compounds to transition metal complexes. We report the design and synthesis of a complex (η5-C5H4CH2Ph)Ru(CO)2(η1(S)-DBT)+ that tests the concept that DBT binding through the sulfur can be augmented by π–π stacking interactions between a pendant phenyl group on the cyclopentadienyl ring and the DBT ligand. The crystal structure and kinetic binding studies of (η5-C5H4CH2Ph)Ru(CO)2(DBT)+ are reported and discussed.

Graphical abstractWith the goal of stabilizing dibenzothiophene (DBT) coordination to a metal ion, we prepared a Ru complex (shown) that contains a cyclopentadienyl ligand with a pendant phenyl group that is capable of π–π stacking with the DBT ligand. Although not successful in this system, modifications of the complex should make this a viable strategy.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide