Synthesis and structural characterization of a coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium complex, Cp*Ru(Ph2nacnac), and its CO adduct

Two new half sandwich ruthenium complexes with 2-N-phenylamino-4-N-phenylimino-2-pentene (Ph(2)nacnac) ligands have been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the monomeric, highly air sensitive complex Cp*Ru(Ph(2)nacnac) (4) has a coordinatively unsaturated structure and the coordination environment around Ru(Ii) is effectively a triangle made up of Ct(Cp*)-N(1)-N(2). An air stable complex Cp*Ru(Ph(2)nacnac)(CO) (5) is prepared by reaction of 4 with CO, and has a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry around the Ru(II) center, made up of Ct(Cp*)-N(l)-N(2)-C(28). (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.