Multiple ligand transfer reaction between [CpRu(L)(AN)2][PF6] (L=AN, CO, P(OMe)3; AN=acetonitrile) and CpFe(CO)L′X (L′=CO, PMe3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PPh3, P(OPh)3; X=Cl, Br, I)

Treatment of ruthenium complexes [CpRu(AN)₃][PF₆] (1a) (AN=acetonitrile) with iron complexes CpFe(CO)₂X (2a–2c) (X=Cl, Br, I) and CpFe(CO)L′X (6a–6g) (L′=PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃, P(OPh)₃; X=Cl, Br, I) in refluxing CH₂Cl₂ for 3 h results in a triple ligand transfer reaction from iron to ruthenium to give stable ruthenium complexes CpRu(CO)₂X (3a–3c) (X=Cl, Br, I) and CpRu(CO)L′X (7a–7g) (L′=PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃, P(OPh)₃; X=Br, I), respectively. Similar reaction of [CpRu(L)(AN)₂][PF₆] (1b: L=CO, 1c: P(OMe)₃) causes double ligand transfer to yield complexes 3a–3c and 7a–7h. Halide on iron, CO on iron or ruthenium, and two acetonitrile ligands on ruthenium are essential for the present ligand transfer reaction. The dinuclear ruthenium complex 11a [CpRu(CO)(μ-I)]₂ was isolated from the reaction of 1a with 6a at 0°C. Complex 11a slowly decomposes in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature to give 3a, and transforms into 7a by the reaction with PMe₃.