Synthesis and reactivity of a bis(disulfide)-bridged RuMo3S4 double-cubane cluster: a new family of nona- or decanuclear mixed-metal sulfide clusters with two RuMo3S4 units

A bis(disulfide)-bridged RuMo3S4 double-cubane cluster {(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}(mu2-eta2:eta1-S2)]2PF6]2 (2, Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) is readily available from cluster (Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4RuH2(PPh3)]PF6] (1) and S8. The reactions of cluster 2 with M(PPh3)4] (M = Pd, Pt) give rise to the formation of a new family of nona- or decanuclear mixed-metal sulfide clusters, {(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}2(mu3-S)2{Pd(S)(PPh3)}]PF6]2 (3), {(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}2(mu3-S)2{(Pd(PPh3))2(mu2-S)}]PF6]2 (4), and {(Cp*Mo)3(mu3-S)4Ru}2(mu3-S)2{Pt(PPh3)2}]PF6]2 (5), with two RuMo3S4 cubane units, the structures of which have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.