Basic metals : XXXIV. Synthesis and reactivity of RuH(η2-CH2PMe2)(PMe3)3

The complex RuH(η²-CH₂PMe₂)(PMe₃)₃ is obtained by reduction of trans-RuCl₂(PMe₃)₄ with Na/Hg in benzene. In contrast to the iron analogue, this complex is configurationally stable on the NMR time scale and does not react with CO or P(OMe)₃ under normal conditions, but it does react with the electrophiles MeI, CS₂ and NH₄PF₆ to form RuI(η²-CH₂PMe₂)(PMe₃)₃, Ru(η³-S₂CHPMe₂CH₂)(PMe₃)₃ and [RuH(PMe₃)₅]PF₆, respectively.