Transformation of C2 units on a bimetallic tetranuclear cluster.

The reactivity of [Ru3Mo(μ4-η2-CC)(μ-CO)3(CO)2(η-C5H4R)3(η-C5H5)] (R = H; Me) have been investigated, initially to elucidate the nature of the starting material, and, latterly, to define the reactivity of an interesting ethane-1,2-bis(ylidyne) species. While the mixed RuMo clusters were unreactive towards simple electrophiles and carbonyl substitution by phosphine ligands they did react with atmospheric oxygen or carbon monoxide to give substantially different products.