Preparation, characterization and structure of ruthenium phosphine complexes containing non-innocent ligands

Phosphine ruthenate complexes containing the non-innocent ligands 4-chloro-1,2-phenylenediamine (opda-Cl) and 3,3′,4,4′-tetraamminebiphenyl (diopda) were synthesized and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, electrochemistry, 31P{1H} NMR and electronic spectroscopies. Crystals of cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(bqdi-Cl)] complex were isolated as a mixture of two conformational isomers due to different positions of the chlorine atoms of the o-phenylene ligand in relation to the P1 atom of the phosphine moiety.

Graphical abstractSyntheses and characterization data are presented for the products isolated from the reactions between mer-[RuIIICl3(dppb)H2O] and o-phenylene ligands. All isolated compounds contain the metal center in the reduced state due to the redox action of these non-innocent ligands.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Reactivity of NI o-phenylene ligands toward ruthenate complexes is presented. ► [RuIIICl3(dppb)H2O] with NI ligands gives compounds with reduced metal centers. ► Crystal structure of cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(bqdi-Cl)] presents two conformational isomers.