Structural characterization of the edge double-bridged triruthenium cluster complex Ru3(μ-Cl)2(CO)8(PPh3)2

The title compound is Ru₃(-Cl)₂(CO)₈(PPh₃)2. Crystal data: formula C₄₄H₃₀O₈Cl2P2Ru₃;f _w =1122.9; monoclinic,P2₁; cell parameters (at 293 K)a=10.971(2) Å,b=17.066(2) Å,c=11.833(2) Å,=92.91(1)°,V=2213 ų,Z=2, _calcd=1.68, _meas=1.68. Final discrepancy indices areR(F)=0.030,R _W (F)=0.036. The structure consists of an open trinuclear unit involving two metal-metal bonds Ru(1)-Ru(2)=2.845(1) Å, Ru(2)-Ru(3)=2.860(1) Å]. The open edge of the metal framework Ru(1)Ru(3)=3.254(1) Å] is supported by two symmetric bridging chloride ligands Cl(1)-Ru(1)=2.461(2) Å; Cl(1)-Ru(3)=2.464(2) Å; Cl(2)-Ru(1)=2.470(2) Å; Cl(2)-Ru(3)=2.472(2) Å]. Both phosphorus ligands are cis to the Cl atoms and trans to the unique ruthenium atom Ru(2). Geometric features of the edge dibridged complex are discussed.