P and C NMR investigation of the system tetracarbonyldi-μ-chlorodirhodium(I) — tertiary phosphine

¹³C and ³¹P{¹H} NMR data at low temperature prompted us to characterize cis-[Rh(CO)₂(PR₃)Cl] (3) (3a, PR₃ = PPh₃; 3b, PR₃ = PMe₂Ph), as surprisingly stable products of the reaction between [{Rh(CO)₂(μ-Cl)}₂] (1) and tertiary phosphines in toluene (P : Rh = 1). Every attempt to isolate solid 3a led to the cis- and trans- halide-bridged dimers [{Rh(CO)₂(μ-Cl)}₂] (5a) and 6a which are formed from 3a by slow decarbonylation, a process which is greatly accelerated by the evaporation of the solvent under vacuum.

The analogous reaction of 1 with dimethylphenylphosphine follows a similar pathway; in this case, however, low temperature NMR spectra allowed us to characterize the pentacoordinated dinuclear species [{Rh(CO)₂(μ-Cl)}₂] (2b) as the unstable intermediate of the bridge-splitting process.

The reaction of 3 with a second equivalent of phosphine (P : Rh = 2) leads, at room temperature, to the well known product trans-[Rh(CO)(PR₃)₂Cl] (8) accompanied by evolution of CO; however our data show that when the reaction is performed at 200 K, decarbonylation is prevented and spectroscopic evidence of trigonal bipyramidal pentacoordinate [Rh(CO)₂(PR₃)₂Cl] (7), stable only at low temperature, can be obtained.     

The lively chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes, analogues of surface reactions in heterogeneous catalysis

The chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes is reviewed. The complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂] (1a) reacted with MeLi to give, after oxidative work-up, blood-red cis-[{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂], 2. This has the two rhodiums in the +4 oxidation state (d⁵), and linked by a metal-metal bond (2.620 Å). Trans-2 was formed on isomerisation of cis-2 in the presence of Lewis acids, or by direct reaction of 1a with Al₂Me₆, followed by dehydrogenation with acetone. The Rh-methyls in [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂] were readily replaced under acidic conditions (HX) to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(X)₂] (X = Cl, Br or I); these latter complexes reacted with a variety of RMgX to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = alkyl, Ph, vinyl, etc.). Trans-2 also reacted with HBF₄ in the presence of L to give first [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)(L)]⁺ and then [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(L)₂]²⁺ (L = MeCN, CO, etc.). The {(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂ core is rather kinetically inert and also forms a variety of complexes with oxy-ligands, both cis-, e.g. [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(μ-OAc)]⁺ and trans-, such as [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺. The complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)L]⁺ (R = Me or aryl) in the presence of CO, or [{(η⁵-C₄Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = Me, Ph or CO₂Me) in the presence of mild oxidants, readily yield the C---C---C coupled products RCH=CH₂. The mechanisms of these couplings have been elucidated by detailed labelling studies: they are more complex than expected, but allow direct analogies to be drawn to C---C couplints that occur during Fischer-Tropsch reactions on rhodium surfaces.     

Syntheses, X-ray structures, and reactions of ruthenium carbonyl complexes containing 1,1-dithiolates

Treatment of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ or [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] with uni-negative 1,1-dithiolate anions via potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, potassium tert-butylthioxanthate, and ammonium O,O′-diethylthiophosphate gives both monomeric and dimeric products of cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)⁻=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (1), Et₂NCS₂⁻ (2), ^tBuSCS₂⁻ (3), (EtO)₂PS₂⁻ (4)) and [Ru(CO)(η²-(Me₂NCS₂))(μ,η²-Me₂NCS₂)]₂ (5). The lightly stabilized MeCN ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ are replaced more readily than the bound acetate ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] by thiolates to produce cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] with less selectivity. Structures 1 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Although the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in 1, the dithiolates are trans to each other in each of the {Ru(CO)(η²-Me₂NCS₂)₂} fragment of 5. The dimeric product 5 can be prepared alternatively from the decarbonylation reaction of 1 with a suitable amount of Me₃NO in MeCN. However, the dimer [Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)(μ,η²-Et₂NCS₂)]₂ (6), prepared from the reaction of 2 with Me₃NO, has a structure different from 5. The spectral data of 6 probably indicate that the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in one {Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)₂}fragment but trans in the other. Both 5 and 6 react readily at ambient temperature with benzyl isocyanide to yield cis-[Ru(CO)(CNCH₂Ph)(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (7) and Et₂NCS₂⁻ (8)). A dimerization pathway for cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] via decabonylation and isomerization is proposed.     

Variation of activation volumes for aquation of chloroaminecobalt(III) complexes

Activation volumes for aquation of cis-[Co(en)₂(NO₂)Cl]⁺, trans-[Co(en)₂ (CN)Cl]⁺, cis-- and cis-β-[Co(trien)Cl₂]⁺ have been determined, and are compared with values reported for a range of chloroaminecobalt(III) complexes. Variation of reported ΔV^≠ in terms of, particularly, solvation effects is discussed.     

Binuclear methyplatinum and phenylplatinum complexes with bis(dimethylphosphino)methane ligands

Reaction of cis-[Ptph₂(SMe₂)₂] with Me₂PCH₂PMe₂ (dmpm) gave cis-[PtPh₂(dmpm-P)₂] (1) or cis,cis-[Pt₂Ph₄(μ-dmpm)₂] (2) and reaction of 1 with [Pt₂Me₄(μ-SMe₂)₂] gave cis,cis-[Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtMe₂] (3). Reaction of 1 with trans-[PtClR(SMe₂)₂] gave cis,trans-[Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtClR], R = Me (5) or Ph (6), and in polar solvents, these isomerized to give [Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtR]⁺Cl⁻. When R = Me, further isomerization via the phenyl group transfer gave [PhMePt(μ-dmpm)₂PtPh]⁺Cl⁻. Oxidative addition of methyl iodide occurred reversibly at the cis-[PtMe₂P₂ unit of 3 to give cis,fac-[Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtIMe₃] but complex 2 failed to react with MeI. A comparison with similar known complexes of Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm) is made and differences are attributed primarily to the lower steric hindrance of dmpm.     

Übergangsmetall-carbin-komplexe : LXXXIII. Neue anionische mer-dihalogeno-tricarbonyl-dialkylamino-carbin-komplexe des wolframs

The reaction of trans-X(CO)₄WCNR₂ (X = Br, R = ^c hex (cyclohexyl); X = Cl, R = ^c hex, ⁱpr (isopropyl) with M⁺X⁻ (M⁺ = NEt₄⁺, X⁻ = Br⁻; M⁺ = PPN⁺, X⁻ = Cl⁻) leads under substitution of one CO ligand to new anionic dihalo(tricarbonyl)carbyne-tungsten complexes of the type M⁺ mer-[(X)₂(CO)₃WCNR₂]⁻ (M⁺ = NEt₄⁺, X = Br, R = ^c hex; M⁺ = PPN⁺, X = Cl, R = ^c hex, ⁱ pr), whose composition and structure were determined by elemental analysis as well as by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. In the anionic carbyne complexes the entered halogen ligand, coordinated in a cis position relative to the carbyne ligand on the metal, can be easily substituted by neutral nucleophiles, as the reaction of PPN⁺ mer-[(Cl)₂(CO)₃WCN^chex₂]⁻ with PPh₃ demonstrates yielding the neutral carbyne complex mer-[Cl(CO)₃(PPh₃)WCN^chex₂].     

Reactions of transition-metal carbonyls with anhydrous HF

The reactions of a wide range of transition-metal carbonyls with anhydrous HF are described. In particular, Ru₃(CO)₁₂, Os₃(CO)₁₂ and Ir₄(CO)₁₂ give the solution stable [Ru₃(CO)₁₂H]⁺, [Ru(CO)₅H]⁺, [Os₃(CO)₁₂H]⁺, [Os(CO)₅H]⁺ and [Ir₄(CO)₁₂H₂]²⁺ respectively, which have been characterised by a combination of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and structure of neutral and cationic pentahaloarylpalladium(II) isonitrile complexes

Complexes of the types (a) trans- and cis-[Pd(C₆X₅)₂ (CNR)₂], (b) trans- [Pd(C₆X₅)Cl(CNR)₂] and (c) [Pd(C₆X₅)(CNR)₃]ClO₄ (X = F or Cl;R = Bu^t cyclohexyl or p-tolyl) have been made by replacement of the tetrahydrothiophen or Cl groups of appropriate precursors by isonitrile. Their structures have been assigned on the basis of their IR and ¹H NMR spectra.     

Aldol-type reactions between trimethylsilyl enol ethers and acetals with the aid of rhodium complex

Aldol-type reactions of trimethylsilyl enol ethers with acetals, ketals, and orthoesters are successfully performed with the aid of a catalytic amount of rhodium complex, Rh₄(CO)₁₂ or [Rh(COD)(DPPB)]⁺ClO₄⁻, underneutral conditions.     

Optically active coordination compounds---XLVIII. Synthesis, resolution and interconversions of isomers of tris-salicylatocobaltate(III)

Stable aqueous solutions of the green ion [Co(sa1)₃]³⁻ (sa1 = dianion, C₆H₄( )(CO ), of salicylic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid) are obtained from [Co(NH₃)₅ C1]C1₂ and an excess of salicylic acid. Several salts, [C][Co(sa1)₃] have been characterized, where C = [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ and [M(en)₃]³⁺ (M = Co or Rh, EN = 1,2-diamino-ethane). By using (+)-[Rh(en)₃]³⁺, optical resolution via less soluble diastereoisomeric salts has been achieved, and isomerization and racemization have been studied. Resolved tris-malonatocobaltate(III) has been used as a model. A novel thermochromism (77-293 K) in solid Δ(+)-[Rhen₃]Λ[Co(sa1)₃ is described.     

Equilibrium reactions network for the cis- or trans-bis(pyrazine)tetraammineruthenium(II/III) and ruthenium(II/III)-EDTA complexes

The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical behavior of the binuclear and trinuclear complexes generated from the association of cis- or trans-[Ru(NH₃)₄(pz)₂]^3+/2+ (where pz represents pyrazine) and [RuEDTA(H₂O)]^2−/− complexes has been investigated in aqueous solution. Based on two sets of spectrophotometrically determined equilibrium constants and on the formal redox potentials, the complex network of equilibrium reactions involving mixed valence species has been elucidated.     

Sterically demanding cyclopentadienyl chemistry: synthesis of iron and zirconium complexes of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl

Reaction of phenyl magnesium bromide with the ,β-unsaturated ketone 3-methyl-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroind-8(9)-en-1-one, followed by an aqueous work-up, generates the pro-chiral tetra-substituted cyclopentadiene, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindene, Cp^‡H, a precursor to the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl ligand in (Cp^‡)₂Fe and [(Cp^‡)Fe(CO)]₂(μ-CO)₂. Both complexes were generated as mixtures of rac-(RR and SS)- and meso-(RS)-isomers, and in either case pure meso-isomer was isolated by crystallisation and characterised by single crystal X-ray structure, both molecules having crystallographic C_i symmetry. Reduction with Na/Hg cleaves meso-(RS)-[(Cp^‡)Fe(CO)]₂(μ-CO)₂ and the resulting mixture of (R)- and (S)-[(Cp^‡)Fe(CO)₂]⁻ anions reacts with MeI to give racemic (Cp^‡)Fe(CO)₂Me, which was characterised by the X-ray crystal structure. The Cp^‡ ligand is more electron donating than (η-C₅H₅) as revealed by the reduction potential of the (Cp^‡)₂Fe⁺/(Cp^‡)₂Fe couple, E°=−0.127 V (vs. Ag  AgCl). Reaction of LiCp^‡ with ZrCl₄ yields the zirconocene dichloride [Zr(Cp^‡)₂Cl₂] as mixture of rac- and meso-isomers, from which pure rac-isomer is obtained as a mixture of RR and SS crystals by recrystallisation. The reaction of rac-[Zr(Cp^‡)₂Cl₂] with LiMe gives rac-[Zr(Cp^‡)₂Me₂]. The structures of RR-[Zr(Cp^‡)₂Cl₂] and rac-[Zr(Cp^‡)₂Me₂] have been determined by X-ray diffraction. The structural studies reveal the influence of the bulky substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand on the metal---Cp^‡ distances and other metric parameters.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrogenation catalytic activity of [Ru3(μ3,η-ampy)(μ,η:η-PhC=CHPh)(CO)6(PPh3) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The compound [RU₃(μ₃,η²- -ampy)(μ₃η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃)₂] (1) (ampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridinate) has been prepared by reaction of [RU₃(η-H)(μ₃,η²- ampy) (μ,η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₇(PPh₃)] with triphenylphosphine at room temperature. However, the reaction of [RU₃(μ-H)(μ₃, η² -ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₃)₂] with diphenylacetylene requires a higher temperature (110°C) and does not give complex 1 but the phenyl derivative [RU₃(μ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η ¹:η² -PhC=CHPh)(μ,-PPh₂)(Ph)(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (2). The thermolysis of complex 1 (110°C) also gives complex 2 quantitatively. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by0 X-ray diffraction methods. Complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the homogeneous hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene to a mixture of cis- and trans -stilbene under mild conditions (80°C, 1 atm. of H₂), although progressive deactivation of the catalytic species is observed. The dihydride [RU₃(μ-H)₂(μ ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η¹:η²- PhC=CHPh)(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂] (3), which has been characterized spectroscopically, is an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.     

The active catalytic species and its isomerisation in the catalytic carbonylation of methanol — a density functional study

The Monsanto acetic acid process is one of the most effective ways to produce acetic acid industrially. This process has been studied experimentally but theoretical investigations are so far sparse. In the current work the active catalytic species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (1) and its isomerisation has been studied theoretically using the hybrid B3LYP exchange and correlation functional. Similar calculations has been performed for the iridium complex [Ir(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (2) that also is catalytically active in the methanol carbonylation. Experimental work has confirmed the existence of the cis forms of the active catalytic species, but they do not rule out the possibility of the trans isomers. Our gas phase results show that cis-1 has 4.95 kcal/mol lower free energy than trans-1, and cis-2 has 10.39 kcal/mol lower free energy than trans-2. In the case of rhodium, trans-1 can take part to the catalytic cycle but in case of iridium this is not very likely. We have also investigated the possible mechanisms of the cis to trans conversions. The ligand association mechanism gave free energy barrier of 13.7 kcal/mol for the rhodium complex and 19.8 kcal/mol for iridium. Thus the conversion for the rhodium complex is feasible whereas for iridium it is unlikely.     

Palladium(II) coordination and cyclometallated complexes derived from 1-tert-butylpyrazole

The synthesis and characterization of a number of new coordination compounds of Pd^II with the nitrogen donor 1-tert-butylpyrazole (^tBuPzH) are described. Compounds are trans-[Pd(^tBuPzH)₂Cl₂] and the cyclometallated structures [Pd₂(^tBuPz)₂(AcO)₂] and [Pd₃(^tBuPz)₂(AcO)₄]. All these complexes are mixtures of syn and anti isomers. Also, the chloro-bridged complex [Pd₂(^tBuPz)₂Cl₂] has been isolated as an equilibrium mixture of cis and trans isomers. The compounds have been studied by variable temperature ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy.     

Homo- and hetero-bridged mixed-valence dinuclear complexes which contain the fragment ‘Rh(C6F5)3’

The reaction of the anionic mononuclear rhodium complex [Rh(C₆F₅)₃Cl(Hpz)]^t- (Hpz = pyrazole, C₃H₄N₂) with methoxo or acetylacetonate complexes of Rh or Ir led to the heterodinuclear anionic compounds [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-Cl)(μ-pz)M(L₂)] [M = Rh, L₂ = cyclo-octa-1,5-diene, COD (1), tetrafluorobenzobarrelene, TFB (2) or (CO)₂ (4); M = Ir, L₂ = COD (3)]. The complex [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(Hbim)]⁻ (5) has been prepared by treating [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(acac)]⁻ with H₂bim (acac = acetylacetonate; H₂bim = 2,2′-biimidazole). Complex 5 also reacts with Rh or Ir methoxo, or with Pd acetylacetonate, complexes affording the heterodinuclear complexes [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-bim)M(L₂)]⁻ [M = Rh, L₂ = COD (6) or TFB (7); M = Ir, L₂ = COD (8); M = Pd, L₂ = η³-C₃H₅ (9)]. With [Rh(acac)(CO)₂], complex 5 yields the tetranuclear complex [{(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-bim)Rh(CO)₂}₂]₂₋. Homodinuclear Rh^III derivatives [{Rh(C₆F₅)₃}₂(μ-L)₂]^·- [L₂ = OH, pz (11); OH, S^tBu (12); OH, SPh (13); bim (14)] have been obtained by substitution of one or both hydroxo groups of the dianion [{Rh(C₆F₅)₃(μ-OH)}₂]²⁻ by the corresponding ligands. The reaction of [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(Et₂O)_x] with [PdX₂(COD)] produces neutral heterodinuclear compounds [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-X)₂Pd(COD)] [X = Cl (15); Br (16)]. The anionic complexes 1–14 have been isolated as the benzyltriphenylphosphonium (PBzPh₃⁺) salts.     

Gezielte Synthese von Kohlenwasserstoff-verbrückten Komplexen. Nucleophile addition von Pentacarbonylrhenat und -manganat an π-gebundene Dien-, Cyclodien-, Trimethylenmethan-, Cycloheptatrienyl- und Alkin-Liganden

Pentacarbonyl-rhenate and -manganate react with the cationic complexes [cpMo(CO)₂(diene)]⁺, [cpMo(CO)₂(cyclopentadiene]⁺, [cpMo(CO)₂(cyclohexadiene)]⁺, [cpMo(CO)₂(trimethylenemethane]⁺, [(OC)₃Mo(η⁷-C₇H₇)]⁺, [cp(OC)-(Ph₃P)Mo(alkyne)]⁺ to give the corresponding heteronuclear hydrocarbon-bridged complexes.     

Übergangsmetall-Carben-Komplexe : CXXXXI. Untersuchungen zum Reaktionsverhalten der Carben-Komplexe cis-(CO)4(SnPh3)Re[C(OEt)NR2] (R = pr, hex) gegenüber Lewis-Säuren

In the reaction of cis-(CO)₄(SnPh₃)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (R = ⁱpr (isopropyl), ^chex (cyclohexyl)) with BI₃ the Lewis acid attacks the triphenylstannyl ligand. Substitution of a phenyl for a iodine group leads to equilibrium mixtures of rhenium carbene complexes of general formula cis-(CO)₄(SnPh_3−χI_χ)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (χ = 1−3; R = ⁱpr, ^chex). By changing the solvent and ratio of can be shifted such that only one major product is formed. Thus this reaction pathway can be used for the preparation of cis-(CO)₄(SnPhI₂)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (R = ⁱpr, ^chex). Even when a large excess of BI₃ is present electrophilic attack by the Lewis acid on the carbene ligand is not observed.

Synthesis of cis-(CO)₄(SnPh_3−χI_χ)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (χ = 1−3; R --- ⁱpr, ^chex) can be achieved in high yield by reaction of cis-(CO)₄(SnPh₃)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (R = ⁱpr, ^chex) with one, two or three equivalents of HI. This reaction, with successive rupture of the tin-carbon bonds in the triphenylstannyl ligand and the simultaneous formation of benzene, affords the desired substitution product irreversibly. Reaction of cis-(CO)₄(SnPh₃)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (R = ⁱpr, ^chex) with I₂ gives the compounds, cis-(CO)₄(SnI₃)Re[C(OEt)NR₂] (R = ⁱpr, ^chex), in relatively low yields.     

Steric effects of the 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine bridging ligand in the synthesis of binuclear palladium(II) complexes

Treatment of [Pd{CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂}(Ph₂PPy)Cl] (Ph₂PPy = 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine) with cis-[Pd(^tBuNC)₂Cl₂] in dichloromethane affords the mixed isocyanide-tertiary phosphine complex cis-[Pd(^tBuNC)Ph₂PPy)Cl₂], in which the Ph₂PPy is a monodentate P-donor, and [{Pd[CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂]Cl}₂]. The steric effects of the Ph₂PPy bridging ligand in determining the reaction course is discussed. The complex cis-[Pd(^tBuNC)(Ph₂PPy)Cl₂] was crystallographically characterized: P2₁/n, a = 15.143(2), b = 9.527(1), c = 17.517(4) Å, β = 113.96(1)°, V= 2309.4(7) ų, Z = 4. The final R value was 0.044, R^w= 0.046 for the 3078 reflections with I > 3σ(I).     

Synthesis of mer-[RuCl3(DMSO)(bpy)], reactivity and electrochemistry of mer-[RuCl3(DMSO)(bpy)] and mer-[RuCl3(TMSO)(bpy)] complexes

[H(DMSO)₂][trans-RuCl₄(DMSO)₂] (1) reacts with 2,2′-bipyridine in ethanol at room temperature resulting in the formation of a major compound, mer-[RuCl₃(DMSO)(bpy)] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) 3 and a known minor compound, cis-[RuCl₂(DMSO)₄] (4). The compounds 3 and 4 are formed via an anticipated intermediate mer-[RuCl₃(DMSO)₃] (2). The reaction of 3 and mer-[RuCl₃(TMSO)(bpy)] (5) with small molecules like imidazole, carbon monoxide and KSCN yield, mer-[RuCl₃(bpy)(im)] · 2DMSO (im = imidazole) (6) and cis-[RuCl₂(TMSO)(CO)(bpy)] (7), cis-[RuCl₂(DMSO)(CO)(bpy)] (8) and K[RuCl₃(bpy)(SCN)] (9), respectively. The formations of 3, 6 and 7 have been authenticated by single crystal structure determinations. Compound 6 is formed by the substitution of DMSO or TMSO from 3 and 5, respectively, whereas 7 and 8 are formed by unprecedented one-electron reductions of 5 and 3. The reactions of 3 and 5 with KSCN resulted in the same compound, K[RuCl₃(NCS)(bpy)] (9). DFT calculations were performed to distinguish whether the thiocyanate ligand is bound to ruthenium through S or N. In the ruthenium bipyridine systems, the HOMO contains ruthenium d-orbitals and the LUMO is typically π^*-orbitals of the bipyridine ring. Complexes 3, 6 and 7 are redox active in acetone and DMSO solvent showing prominent a reduction peak and corresponding oxidation peak.