Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical studies of the heterometallic diclusters [{Fe2(μ-CO)(CO)6(μ-PPh2)Au}2(diphosphine)] (diphosphine=dppm, dppip, dppe, dppp)

Treatment of [(ClAu)₂(diphosphine)] {diphosphine=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), bis(diphenylphosphino)isopropane (dppip), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp)} with two equivalents of the anion [Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)]⁻ in the presence of TlBF₄ gives the new heterometallic diclusters [{Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)Au}₂(diphosphine)] that have been isolated and characterized. Their ³¹P-NMR spectra show different patterns as a function of the diphosphine ligand. The electrochemical behavior of these compounds has been investigated and compared with that of the mono- [Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)(μ-AuPPh₃)] and tricluster [{Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)Au}₃(triphos)] derivatives.     

Synthesis of [(μ-RS)(μ-S){Fe2(CO)6}2(μ4-S)] and their reactivity toward electrophiles

Reaction of the Et₃NH⁺ salts of the [(μ-RS)(μ-CO)Fe₂(CO)₆]⁻ anions (R=Bu^t, Ph or PhCH₂) with (μ-S₂)Fe₂(CO)₆ gives reactive intermediates [(μ-RS)(μ-S){Fe₂(CO)₆}₂(μ₄-S)]⁻. Reactions of the latter with alkyl halides, acid chlorides and Cp(CO)₂FeI have been studied. X-Ray structure of (μ-Bu^tS)(μ-PhCH₂S)[Fe₂(CO)₆]₂(μ₄-S) was determined.     

A platina-allenyl ligand coordinated to a triosmium cluster: X-ray structure of the acetylide complex Os3Pt(μ-H)(μ4-η-CCPh)(CO)10(PCy3)

The spiked triangular triosmium-platinum cluster complex Os₃Pt(μ-H)(μ₄-η²-CCPh)(CO)₁₀(PCy₃) has been synthesised by treatment of the unsaturated Os₃Pt(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀(PCy₃) with LiCCPh followed by protonation. Crystallographic analysis reveals an unusual twisted configuration of the μ₄-η²-CCPh ligand about the triosmium framework such that the complex may be regarded as a platina-allenyl moiety coordinated to an Os₃(μ-H)(CO)₉ unit.     

Electrochemical behaviour of [Ru(L)(CO)2Cl2] [Ru(L)(CO)Cl3][Me4N] and [Ru(L)(CO)2(CH3CN)2][CF3SO3]2 complexes (L = 2,2′- bipyridine or 4,4′-isopropoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine)

The clectrochemical behaviour of the complexes [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂Cl₂], [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N] and [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (L = 2,2′-bipyridine or 4,4′-isopropoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine) has been investigated in CH₃CN. The oxidation of [Ru(L)(CO)₂Cl₂] produces new complexes [Ru^III(L)(CO)(CH₃CN)₂Cl]²⁺ as a consequence of the instability of the electrogenerated transient Ru^III species [Ru^III(L)(CO)₂Cl₂]⁺. In contrast, the oxidation of [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N] produces the stable [Ru^III(L)(CO)Cl₃] complex. In contrast [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ is not oxidized in the range up to the most positive potentials achievable. The reduction of [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂Cl₂] and [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ results in the formation of identical dark blue strongly adherent electroactive films. These films exhibit the characteristics of a metal-metal bond dimer structure. No films are obtained on reduction of [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N]. The effect of the substitution of the bipyridine ligand by electron-withdrawing carboxy ester groups on the electrochemical behaviour of all these complexes has also been investigated.     

High-nuclearity ruthenium carbonyl cluster chemistry. 8: Phosphine activation, CO insertion, and deruthenation at a phosphido cluster - X-ray structures of [ppn][Ru8(μ8-P)(μ-CO)2(CO)20] and [ppn][Ru7(μ7-P)(μ-η-OCPh)(μ-PPh2)(μ-CO)(CO)17]

Reaction of the square antiprismatic cluster [ppn][Ru₈(μ₈-P)(μ-CO)₂(CO)₂₀] [ppn = bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium] with triphenylphosphine proceeds by loss of one cluster core vertex, phosphine P-C cleavage, and CO insertion into the putative Ru-phenyl bond to afford [ppn][Ru₇(μ₇-P)(μ-η²-OCPh)(μ-PPh₂)(μ-CO)(CO)₁₇] in low yield, the first heptaruthenium μ₇-phosphido-ligated cluster.     

Synthesis of Co2Pt, Co2Pd and MoPd2 mixed-metal clusters with the P–N–P assembling ligands (Ph2P)2NH (dppa) and (Ph2P)2NMe (dppaMe). Crystal structure of [Co2Pt(μ3-CO)(CO)6(μ-dppa)]

Heterometallic triangular platinum–cobalt, palladium–cobalt and palladium–molybdenum clusters stabilized by one or two bridging diphosphine ligands such as Ph₂PNHPPh₂ (dppa) or (Ph₂P)₂NMe (dppaMe) or by mixed ligand sets Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm)/dppa have been prepared with the objectives of comparing the stability and properties of the clusters as a function of the short-bite diphosphine ligand used and of the metal carbonyl fragment they contain. Ligand redistribution reactions were observed during the purification of [Co₂Pd(μ₃-CO)(CO)₄(μ-dppa)(μ-dppm)] (4) by column chromatography with the formation of [Co₂Pd(μ₃-CO)(CO)₄(μ-dppm)₂] and the dinuclear complex [(OC)₂ Cl] (5). The latter was independently prepared by reaction of [Pd(dppa-P,P′)₂](BF₄)₂ with Na[Co(CO)₄]. Attempts to directly incorporate the ligand (Ph₂P)₂N(CH₂)₃Si(OMe)₃ (dppaSi) into a cluster or to generate it by N-functionalization of coordinated dppa were unsuccessful, in contrast to results obtained recently with related clusters. The crystal structure of [Co₂Pt(μ₃-CO)(CO)₆(μ-dppa)] (1) has been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Reactions of the cycloheptatrienyl complexes [MX(CO)2(η-C7H7)] (M=Mo, X=Br; M=W, X=I) with CNBu: X-ray crystal structure of [WI(CO)2(CNBu)2(η-C7H7)]

Reaction of [MX(CO)₂(η⁷-C₇H₇)] (M=Mo, X=Br; M=W, X=I) with two equivalents of CNBu^t in toluene affords the trihapto-bonded cycloheptatrienyl complexes [MX(CO)₂(CNBu^t)₂(η³-C₇H₇)] (1, M=Mo, X=Br; 2, M=W, X=I). The X-ray crystal structure of 2 reveals a pseudo-octahedral molecular geometry with an asymmetric ligand arrangement at tungsten in which one CNBu^t is located trans to the η³-C₇H₇ ring. Treatment of 2 with tetracyanoethene results in 1,4-cycloaddition at the η³-C₇H₇ ring to give [WI(CO)₂(CNBu^t)₂{η³-C₉H₇(CN)₄}], 3. The principal reaction type of the molybdenum complex 1 is loss of carbonyl and bromide ligands to afford substituted products [MoBr(CNBu^t)₂(η⁷-C₇H₇)] 4 or [Mo(CO)(CNBu^t)₂(η⁷-C₇H₇)]Br. Reaction of [MoBr(CO)₂(η⁷-C₇H₇)] with one equivalent of CNBu^t in toluene at 60°C affords [MoBr(CO)(CNBu^t)(η⁷-C₇H₇)], 5, which is a precursor to [Mo(CO)(CNBu^t)(NCMe)(η⁷-C₇H₇)][BF₄], 6, by reaction with Ag[BF₄] in acetonitrile. In contrast with the parent dicarbonyl systems [MoX(CO)₂(η⁷-C₇H₇)], complexes of the Mo(CO)(CNBu^t)(η⁷-C₇H₇) auxiliary, 5 and 6, do not afford observable η³-C₇H₇ products by ligand addition at the molybdenum centre.     

Synthesis and structural studies of polynuclear ruthenium clusters derived from reactions of 1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,2,3,4-tetraphospholane with [Ru3(CO)12]

Reactions of 1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,2,3,4-tetraphospholane (I) with triruthenium dodecacarbonyl at different temperatures result in the cleavage of P-P bonds and even P-C bond(s) in I to afford a series of new ruthenium cluster derivatives containing phosphido and phosphinidene ligands: a penta-ruthenium wing-tip bridged butterfly cluster [Ru₅(CO)₁₁(μ₄-PPh)(μ₃-PPh){(μ₄-η²-(PPh)₂CH₂}] (1), a hepta-ruthenium polyhedral (consisting of two fused square pyramids with a co-apex) cluster [Ru₇(CO)₁₅(μ₄-PPh)₂{(μ₂-PPh)₂CH₂}](2), a linked penta-ruthenium cluster [Ru₄(CO)₁₀(μ₄-PPh)(μ₃-PPh)₂(μ₃-η²-PPhCH₂)Ru(CO)₃] (3), and a hepta-nuclear polyhedral (consisting of two fused square pyramids with different apexes) cluster [Ru₇(CO)₁₅(μ₄-PPh)₂{(μ₂-PPh)₂CH₂}](4). Clusters 2 and 4 are isomeric and differ only in the connection of the two square pyramids in the Ru₇ polyhedron. All the newly obtained clusters have been fully characterized by spectroscopic (IR, FABMS, ¹H- and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy) and analytical techniques, and their molecular structures are established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Stabilisation of [Fe2(CO)9] and [Ru2(CO)9] bu substitution with bridging diphosphorus ligands

Reaction of [Fe₂(CO)₉] with a half molar amount of R₂PYPR₂ (Y = CH₂, R = Ph, Me, OMe or OPrⁱ; Y = N(Et), R = OPh, OMe or OCH₂; Y = N(Me), R = OPrⁱ or OEt) leads to the ready formation of a product which on irradiation with ultraviolet light rapidly decarbonylates to the heptacarbonyl derivative [Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆{μ-R₂PYPR₂}]. Treatment of the latter with a slight excess of the appropriate ligand results, under photochemical conditions, in the formation of the dinuclear pentacarbonyl complex [Fe₂(μ-CO)(C))₄{μ-R₂PYPR₂}₂] but under thermal conditions in the formation of the mononuclear species [Fe(CO)₃{R₂PYPR₂}]. Reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with an equimolar amount of (RO)₂PN(R′)P(OR)₂ (R′ = Me, R = Prⁱ or Et; R′ = Et, R = Ph or Me) under either thermal or photochemical conditions produces [Ru₃(CO)₁₀{μ-(RO)₂PN(OR)₂}] which reacts further with excess (RO)₂PN(R′)P(OR)₂ on irradiation with ultraviolet light to afford the dinuclear compound [Ru₂(μ-CO)(CO₄{μ-(RO)₂PN(R′)P(OR)₂}₂]. The molecular structure of [Ru₂(μ-CO)(CO)₄{μ-(MeO)₂PN(Et)P(OMe)₂}₂], which has been determined by X-ray crystallography, is described.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of [Ru8(μ5-S)2(μ4-S)(μ3-S)(μ-CNMe2)2(μ-CO)(CO)15] formed via the double sulphur-carbon bond cleavage of dithiocarbamate ligands

Heating cis-[Ru(S₂CNMe₂)₂(CO)₂] and [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] in xylene affords octanuclear [Ru₈(μ₅-S)₂(μ₄-S)(μ₃-S)(μ-CNMe₂)₂(μ-CO)(CO)₁₅] resulting from the double carbon-sulfur bond cleavage of two dithiocarbamate ligands. The structure consists of a tri-edge-bridged square of ruthenium atoms with a further ruthenium atom being bound only to the central bridging atom. Studies suggest that it may be formed via the pentanuclear intermediate [Ru₅(μ₄-S)₂(μ-CNMe₂)₂(CO)₁₁] which is formed in trace amounts.     

Cyclopentadienyl-ruthenium and -osmium chemistry : XXXIX. Syntheses of novel alkynyl-ruthenium complexes. X-Ray structures of two forms of {Ru(PPh3)2(η-C5H5)}2(μ-C4) and of Ru{CCC(O)Me}(PPh3)2(η-C5H5)

Reactions between [Ru(thf)(PPh₃)₂(η-C₅H₅)]⁺ and lithium acetylides have given further examples of substituted ethynylruthenium complexes that are useful precursors of allenylidene and cumulenylidene derivatives. From Li₂C₄, mono- and bi-nuclear ruthenium complexes were obtained: single-crystal X-ray studies have characterised two rotamers of {Ru(PPh₃)₂(η-C₅H₅)}₂(μ-C₄), which differ in the relative cis and trans orientations of the RuL_n groups. Protonation of Ru(CCCCH)(PPh₃)₂(η-C₅H₅) afforded the butatrienylidene cation [Ru(C=C=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂(η-C₅H₅)]⁺, which reacted readily with atmospheric moisture to give the acetylethynyl complex Ru{CCC(O)Me}(PPh₃)₂(η-C₅H₅), also fully characterised by an X-ray structural study.     

Heterodinukleare Komplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [RuRh(μ‐CO)(CO)4(μ‐PtBu2)(tBu2PH)], [RuRh(μ‐CO)(CO)3(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] und [CoRh(CO)4(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(tBu2PH)]

Heterobinuclear Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [RuRh(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)], [RuRh(μ‐CO)(CO)₃(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)], and [CoRh(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] [Ru₃Rh(CO)₇(μ₃‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)₂(^tBu₂PH)(μ‐Cl)₂] ( 2 ) yields by cluster degradation under CO pressure as main product the heterobinuclear complex [RuRh(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 4 ). The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pcab with a = 15.6802(15), b = 28.953(3), c = 11.8419(19) Å and V = 5376.2(11) ų. The reaction of 4 with dppm (Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) in THF at room temperature affords in good yields [RuRh(μ‐CO)(CO)₃(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 7 ). 7 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 9.7503(19), b = 13.399(3), c = 15.823(3) Å and V = 1854.6 ų. Moreover single crystals of [CoRh(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 9 ) could be obtained and the single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis revealed that 9 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with a = 11.611(2), b = 13.333(2), c = 18.186(3) Å and V = 2693.0(8) ų.     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)n(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (n = 4; 5) und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CH2)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)]

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)_n(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (n = 4; 5) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] The reaction of [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₅(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 2 ) with dppm yields the dinuclear species [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). Under thermal or photolytic conditions 3 loses very easily one carbonyl ligand and affords the corresponding electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 ). 4 is also obtainable by an one‐pot synthesis from [Ru₃(CO)₁₂], an excess of ^tBu₂PH and stoichiometric amounts of dppm via the formation of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)₂] ( 1 ). 4 exhibits a Ru–Ru double bond which could be confirmed by addition of methylene to the dimetallacyclopropane [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ). The molecular structures of 3 , 4 and 5 were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.     

Reactivity modes of bridged bimetallic [(η-C5H5)Fe(CO)]2-μ-dppe with electrophiles. Preparation and reactions of bimetallic hydride complexes

The complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)]₂-μ-dppe (dppe = ethane-1,2-bisdiphenylphosphide) (I) reacts with electrophiles through a η-CO and forms Lewis acid O-Adducts with alkylating reagents (giving cationic μ₂-alkoxycarbyne compounds) or with alkulaluminum compounds. Treatment of I with acid affords a stable μ₂-hydride salt (IV), [CpFe(CO)]₂(μ₂-dppe)⁺, which serves as an intermediate in the stepwise hydrogenation (reversibly) of I to a bridged bimetallic dihydride, [CpFe(CO)H]₂-μ₂-dppe. This dihydride serves as a hydride donor, regenerating IV, towards Ph₃c⁺ or CpFe(CO)₂(η²-CH₂---CH₂)⁺ hydride acceptors. The necessity of the μ₂-dppe as a “mechanical linkage” in facilitating some bimetalic reactions is also established.     

Reactivity of AlMe3 with titanium(IV) Schiff base complexes: X-ray structure of [Ti{(μ-Br)(AlMe2)}{(μ-Br)(AlMe2X)}(salen)] · C7H8 (X=Me or Br) and reactivity studies of mono-alkylated [Ti(Me)X(L)] complexes

[TiCl₂(salen)] (1) reacts with AlMe₃ (1:2) to give the heterometallic Ti(III) and Ti(IV) complexes [Ti{(μ-Cl)(AlMe₂)}{(μ-Cl)(AlMe₂X)}(salen)] (X=Me or Cl) (2) and [TiMe{(μ-Cl)(AlCl₂Me)}(salen)] (3). Addition of diethyl ether to 3 affords [Ti(Me)Cl(salen)] (4). The analogous reaction of [TiBr₂(salen)] (5) gives the crystallographically characterised [Ti{(μ-Br)(AlMe₂)}{(μ-Br)(AlMe₂X)}(salen)] (X=Me or Br) (6) and [Ti(Me)Br(salen)] (7) in a single step, whilst the comparable reaction of [TiCl₂{(3-MeO)₂salen}] (8) with AlMe₃ yields [Ti(Me)Cl{(3-MeO)₂salen}] (9) with no evidence of titanium(III) species. Reactivity of both halide and methyl groups of 4 has been probed using magnesium reduction, SbCl₅ and AgBF₄ halide abstraction and SO₂ insertion reactions. Hydrolysis of [Ti(Me)X(L)] complexes affords μ-oxo species [TiX(L)]₂(μ-O) [X=Cl, L=salen (13); X=Br, L=salen (14); X=Cl, L=(3-MeO)₂salen (15)].     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐H)(μ‐S)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐X)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (X = Cl,S2CH)

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐Ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐S)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)], [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐X)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (X = Cl, S₂CH) [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) reacts in benzene with elemental sulfur to the addition product [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐S)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 2 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). 2 is also obtained by reaction of 1 with ethylene sulfide. The reaction of 1 with carbon disulfide yields with insertion of the CS₂ into the Ru₂(μ‐H) bridge the dithioformato complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐S₂CH)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ). Furthermore, 1 reacts with [NO][BF₄] to the complex salt [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐NO)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)][BF₄] ( 4 ), and reaction of 1 with CCl₄ or CHCl₃ affords spontaneously [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐Cl)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ) in nearly quantitative yield. The molecular structures of 2 , 3 and 5 were confirmed by crystal structure analyses.     

A synthetic route to heteronuclear clusters containing iridium and rhodium: X-ray crystal structures of [IrOs3(μ-H)2(μ-Cl)(CO)12] and [Ir2Rh2(μ-CO)(μ3-CO)2(CO)4(η-C5Me5)2]

The iridium and rhodium complexes [MCl(CO)₂(NH₂C₆H₄Me-4)] (M = Ir or Rh) react with [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀] to give the tetranuclear clusters [MOs₃(μ-H)₂(μ-Cl)(CO)₁₂]; the iridium compound being structurally identified by X-ray diffraction. Similarly, [IrCl(CO)₂(NH₂C₆H₄Me-4)] and [Rh₂(μ-CO)₂(η-C₅Me₅)₂] afford the tetranuclear cluster [Ir₂Rh₂(μ-CO)(μ₃-CO)₂(CO)₄(η-C₅Me₅)₂], also characterised by single-crystal X-ray crystallog     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)3L(μ‐η1 : η2‐C≡CPh)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (L = CO,PnBu3)

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (L = CO, PⁿBu₃) [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) reacts with several phosphines (L) in refluxing toluene under substitution of one carbonyl ligand and yields the compounds [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] (L = PⁿBu₃, 2 a ; L = PCy₂H, 2 b ; L = dppm‐P, 2 c ; dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). The reactivity of 1 as well as the activated complexes 2 a – c towards phenylethyne was studied. Thus 1 , 2 a and 2 b , respectively, react with PhC≡CH in refluxing toluene with elimination of dihydrogen to the acetylide‐bridged complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) and [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 a and 4 b ). The molecular structures of 3 and 4 a were determined by crystal structure analyses.     

Reactions of isonitriles with [Fe3(CO)12] and [Ru3(CO)12] monitored by electrospray mass spectrometry: structural characterisation of [Fe3(CO)10(CNPh)2] and [Ru4(CO)11(μ3-η-CNPh)2(CNPh)]

The reactions of [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] or [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with RNC (R=Ph, C₆H₄OMe-p or CH₂SO₂C₆H₄Me-p) have been investigated using electrospray mass spectrometry. Species arising from substitution of up to six ligands were detected for [Fe₃(CO)₁₂], but the higher-substituted compounds were too unstable to be isolated. The crystal structure of [Fe₃(CO)₁₀(CNPh)₂] was determined at 150 and 298 K to show that both isonitrile ligands were trans to each other on the same Fe atom. For [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] substitution of up to three COs was found, together with the formation of higher-nuclearity clusters. [Ru₄(CO)₁₁(CNPh)₃] was structurally characterised and has a spiked-triangular Ru₄ core with two of the CNPh ligands coordinated in an unusual μ₃-η² mode.